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| Waubonsie Creek Greenway Plan: A Vision for Future Generations | |
| Sep 22, 2010 | |
| Greg Stevens, Senior Park Planner gstevens@fvpd.net | |
| Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects | |
| Pertains to Waubonsie Creek Trail, Aurora, Oswego | |
| Waubonsie Creek was surrounded by urban development on all sides when it was first targeted for ecological protection more than 35 years ago. As suburban sprawl encroached westward from Chicago, the Planning and Development Department of the Fox Valley Park District identified the importance in preserving this sparkling waterway that flows through prairie lands and natural settings along its banks before emptying into the Fox River. The Waubonsie Creek Greenway Plan was subsequently launched to put protections in place amid rapid home-building and the proliferation of subdivisions. The plan was comprised of two components: land acquisition and the development of facilities that would enhance enjoyment in a natural setting. A linear, watershed park was envisioned that would create a winding ribbon of parks and lakes along the creek's corridor. Due to a law passed at the time to aid land preservation, the Fox Valley Park District was able to secure land in fast-growing areas before developers inflated the price. Visionary planners laid the groundwork for preservation and park development in an area that would soon be densely inhabited, resulting in a three mile-long swath of protected greenway in a fast developing area of DuPage, Kane and Will counties. Land acquisition efforts continued successfully, expanding the greenway all the way to Waubonsie Creek's headwaters at Spring Lake Park, the first of several parks developed along the greenway. The challenge facing the Fox Valley Park District's landscape architects was to strike a balance that would blend the preservation of natural systems with the integration of recreational facilities. Their earnest efforts paid off handsomely in terms of acquiring land within the watershed. Sizable parcels of open land were purchased on both sides, up and down Waubonsie Creek, creating a network of community parks and lakes/detention basins that were connected through the construction of numerous paved trails. As new housing units, businesses and schools continued to fill in the surrounding landscape, the linear village green maintained its vibrant presence bisecting the area. Despite the size, scope and success of the Waubonsie Creek Greenway Plan, the landscape architects and planners had no intentions to rest in their pursuit of a greener greenway. With passage of a capital bond referendum in 2008, a new world of possibilities arose. The Park District seized on the opportunity, immediately developing proposals that would bring significant upgrades and improvements along the length of the Waubonsie Creek corridor. Meanwhile, land acquisition efforts were restarted as the Park District aggressively sought to grow public land holdings adjacent to the waterway. The Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment (OSPRI) plan, devised in 2008, placed prominent emphasis on furthering park development and open space expansion. This all-encompassing master plan directed referendum funds into projects deemed most important by residents, landscape architects and planners. In unanimity it was decided enhancements would begin at the headwaters of Waubonsie Creek with renovation of Spring Lake Park, a beautiful but underutilized community park situated amid heavy urban and residential development. Upgrades included a new boat launch for canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized crafts, and an accessible lake overlook with a fishing pier and shade structure. A new playground was built with a nautical theme and a shelter oriented toward the lake. New restrooms, a looped asphalt path and half-court basketball area were constructed. Two parking areas were enlarged to increase accessibility and enhance environmental quality. The parking lots were built upon permeable pavers and are surrounded by bioswales and rain gardens; the lots are designed to return storm water to the ground, thus reducing runoff into the 20-acre lake. To halt erosion and stabilize the lake's shorelines, native aquatic plants were added around the perimeter. This improved water quality by filtering runoff and served as a deterrent to Canada Geese. Phase II of the Greenway Plan involved numerous improvements at Waubonsie Lake Park, a central hub for recreation. Upgrades included new, separate restrooms and a shelter at the lake's edge with an accessible overlook and fireplace. Accessible, naturalized overlooks on each side of the creek were constructed, along with an "adventure playground" for two- to five-year-olds. A floating pier providing lake access for fishing and non-motorized boats was added near the new, environmentally-friendly parking area. Like the creek itself, the Fox Valley Park District's planning department continued their journey and picked up momentum along the way, securing another crown jewel with the acquisition of a 20-acre site. In addition to expanding and conserving valuable creek-side land, the acquisition provided the Park District an opportunity to close the gap to a circuitous route of regional trails including a continuous set of trails on both sides of Waubonsie Creek while providing park space to accommodate construction of much-needed athletic fields. By incorporating active-play opportunities, the planning and design staff are creating a smorgasbord of recreation across the 232 acres of greenway. Fishing, boating and lake access abound throughout. The addition of athletic fields will bring team sports such as baseball, softball and soccer into play. The area is linked by six miles of trails that traverse the watershed, providing ample usage opportunities for walkers, joggers, in-line skaters, bicyclists, strollers and cross-country skiers. As a transportation link, the trail network provides safe routes that connect with destinations throughout. With the future acquisition of a 2/3-mile tract of land at the southwest end of the greenway, the Waubonsie Creek Trail will connect with the Virgil Gilman Trail and provide linkage with more than 500 miles of inter-connected trails. The Waubonsie Creek Greenway Plan has created a shimmering centerpiece of natural areas and recreation, making this area a linear focal point for the more than 20,000 residents living within the creek's watershed. Due to the astute foresight and vision of the Fox Valley Park District and its planning and design staff, this plan will reap environmental and recreational benefits for many generations to come. Greg Stevens, ASLA, is Senior Park Planner with the Fox Valley Park District, located in Aurora, Illinois. Prior to working with the Park District, he was Vice President of the Lannert Group. Greg attended Purdue University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture in 1981 and a Master of Science degree in Transportation and Urban Engineering in 1983. |
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