Please visit this page for project updates, review project documents and learn about the latest information on the planning process and community engagement efforts!
Tully Park
UPDATE: The community meeting is scheduled on Thursday January 30, 2025 at 630pm at the Gary Morava Recreation Center to present the revised plan with associated costs based on the feedback received in October.
The Park District acquired the property located at 214 S Wheeling Road to expand Tully Park and improve access. The City and Park District worked with MWRD to acquire the flood-prone home to remove it from the floodplain and preserve the property as open space. The MWRD conditions for this property in perpetuity include (1) no permanent structures and (2) non- permeable surfaces. A permeable** gravel surface will be installed at the Wheeling Road entrance, allowing Park District work trucks to park and deliver mowing equipment.
On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, residents gathered at the Gary Morava Recreation Center to provide feedback regarding surface options and plantings for the remainder of the parcel. The park district will investigate the cost, grants, and feasibility of alternative options for the gravel area, such as using a permeable mesh or webbing material instead.
For questions, please email [email protected] or call 847-394-2848
** In landscaping and construction, permeable surfaces are designed to let water seep through the material into the ground below, reducing runoff and promoting natural drainage. This can help prevent flooding, reduce erosion, and support groundwater recharge.
Muir Park
Click here to view MUIR PARK FINAL DESIGN
January 2025
As of now, the property continues to be approved for a townhome subdivision and the Park District continues to wait for the property owner to sell the property.
April 2024
The City of Prospect Heights’ expectation is for the 12 building 69-unit townhome subdivision development to occur as City Council approved rezoning ordinance and tax increment financing district for the acquisition and development of project. The Park District is waiting for the property owner to finalize a purchase agreement with a contractor.
May 2022
After Park District officials reviewed survey results and several conceptual plans, a final park plan was designed which is required to finalize the agreement with Lexington Homes, LLC. After several months of negotiations, the purchase and sale agreement was signed by officials representing both the Park District and Lexington on May 12, 2022 . More info to follow as project progress.
May 2021
Prospect Heights Park District officials asked Muir Park neighbors to complete a survey in May 2021. This was an opportunity to play a role in finalizing a plan for the 4.5 aces park while the Park District officials continue to negotiate a land swap agreement with Lexington Homes, LLC . Currently Muir Park is an open space with a ballfield, walking path and landscaping.
BACKGROUND
In August 2016, the Prospect Heights Park District and School District 23 discussed acquiring the Jolly Fun House (JFH) property, 1001 Oak in Prospect Heights, for joint use. At that time, architects indicated the cost would be $8-$9 million in required renovations to bring the facility up to school code and it would cost $10 – $11 million to build a new facility after purchasing the property for $700K – $1.5million. The Park District alone cannot afford to purchase the property outright and knock down the existing facility for open space nor to rebuild a facility on the site.
Meanwhile, Lexington Homes has a contract to purchase the JFH property, adjacent to Muir Park. In 2019, Lexington offered the park district a swap of 27,549 square foot (.62345 acre) land area to build a detention basin for the housing development on the adjacent property. Currently the park site is 4.5 acres with nearly 3 acres usable due to trees. Lexington has also offered to redevelop Muir Park.
After many public meetings and feedback from the community, the Park District Board of Commissioners negotiated with Lexington Homes to improve Muir Park.
