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City staff present 2026–2031 comprehensive park master plan, highlights gaps in walkable access
Summary
Staff presented a proposed 2026–2031 comprehensive park master plan developed with the Greenwood Park District that calls for a phased five‑year action plan, prioritizes replacing aging amenities and improving walkable access in underserved northwest and southeast neighborhoods, and readies the city for grant applications and developer coordination.
City staff presented a proposed comprehensive park master plan for 2026–2031 to the Committee of the Whole, outlining a three‑phase approach — analyze, envision and implement — and recommending the city begin implementation in winter 2026.
Steve, a city staff member, told the council the plan was prepared jointly with the Greenwood Park District and RVI and is intended to guide parks, recreation, open space and connectivity improvements across Braidwood. He said the plan will help the city when applying for grants and when negotiating park dedication or open‑space contributions from developers.
Josh, who spoke as the partner on the plan, described the document as lengthy and detailed, saying, “it's a very long document, a 150 pages, but it's actually very well put together.” He reported the inventory found many existing amenities are past the usable life thresholds cited by IDNR and recommended replacement and improved pedestrian and bicycle connections to make the city more walkable and bikeable.
Both presenters said the plan identifies geographic gaps in park service — notably parts of the northwest and southeast portions of the community — where residents do not have walkable access to a neighborhood or community park. The plan lays out priorities across a five‑year action timeline, emphasizing playground updates, connectivity projects and coordination with a forthcoming bike trail master plan.
Steve said the park district submitted feedback that adjusted sequencing and priorities; he said some page‑count references in the discussion differed (Josh referenced about 150 pages; another speaker later referenced roughly 108 pages), and staff will finalize the version that goes to the council. The city plans to incorporate the bike trail master plan when it is completed.
The presentation closed with no formal council vote recorded; staff recommended the council accept the plan as draft guidance and use it for grant applications and development review. A follow‑up item to bring a final, edited plan forward for formal consideration was indicated but not scheduled in the transcript.
