06.11.2024 Park Commission Meeting Minutes
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 6000 EUREKA ROAD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING FREEMAN PARK
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Wenner convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Wenner, Commissioners Hirner, Garske, Bahneman and
DiGruttolo; Mayor Labadie; City Council Members Sanschagrin,
Callies; City Administrator Nevinski; Park/Recreation Manager
Czech; Lead Field Supervisor Heitz
Absent: None
2. PARK TOURS
A. Freeman Park
Items that were discussed on the tour:
Eddy Station
- Fix gap between concrete pads on south side of pavilion
- Concerns about no damage deposit for renters
- Need for more picnic tables in grass surrounding the pavilion/ball fields
- Potentfal to add signage with map of park or directfon to field numbers
Fields 4, 5, 6
- Fence caps off/missing on chain link fence posts
- Lack of drainage behind field 5 that runs to the creek
- More prominent signage for fields is needed - current signs are faded and hard to
read
Plaza/Monument Area
- Concern regarding maintenance of monument area (Staff update: This is part of
our "Adopt a Garden" program. Volunteers maintain area.)
North Playground
- Rocks on pad leading into playground - concerns regarding accessibility
- "Rocker" chair with spring isn't straight
- Replacement of rocks on surface area with rubber or wood chips
Soccer Fields
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024
PAGE 2 OF 3
- Uneven playing fields
- Dead trees behind field 6 - concerns regarding Emerald Ash Borer
- Fence needed in the northwest corner to prevent balls from going to Smithtown
Ponds
o Potentfal to add shrubs as a natural barrier?
Trail System
- Flooding of trails in wooded area is a large issue
- Dense populatfon of mosquitos in the woods
- Concerns of dogs off leash throughout the trails and parks - enforcement is
needed
- New bituminous paths are fantastfc - lots of positfve feedback
- Mud buildup on edge of trail leading to Shorewood Oaks
- Discussion regarding concerns of the long term plans for the wooded & ponds
area took place, specifically regarding buckthorn maintenance.
Volleyball Court
- Remove weeds
- Add sand to playing surface - safety concern with sand level below wood edging
South Playground
- In great shape, great to have in the park!
- More woodchips needed
Parking Lots
- Concerns of parking in the grass, ruts left behind vehicles
- Parking lot by field 3 is in much better conditfon than years prior
- South blacktop parking lot lines are faded and in need of striping
Fields 1, 2, 3
- Posts on field 3 batting cages are startfng to lean
- Field 1 fence replacement w/ sleeves - outiield fence footfngs are exposed
- Chain link fence needed between ends of batting cages by field 1
- Roof repair needed on corner of concession stand
B. Cathcart Park
Items that were discussed on the tour:
Hockey Rink
- Paint boards: idea to collaborate with volunteer groups to complete paintfng was
discussed (Sentence to Serve is a possible group)
- Chain link fence above boards on both ends may need replacement
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024
PAGE 3 OF 3
- Branches may need to be trimmed around light pole on north end of rink
Playground
- Lack of woodchips in swing area
- Lots of weeds in swing area
- 2 picnic tables were added to the park this year, per last year’s park tour notes
- Trim shoots off of trees near playground
- Overall, playground was noted to be in better conditfon than expected
Tennis Court
- Surface is cracked
- Signs on both entrances to court need replacement
- Tennis backboard needs to be painted and adjusted
- Tennis net needs replacement
Basketball Court
- Request for leaves & helicopters to be blown off the court during the fall
- Idea of a gaga ball pit, bocce ball, or horseshoes was discussed
Baseball Field
- Fence post is leaning and needs to be fixed
7. ADJOURN
Commissioner Garske moved to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of June 11, 2024
at 7:50 p.m. Commissioner Bahneman seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.