06.25.2024 Park Commission Meeting Minutes
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 20600 MANOR ROAD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING MANOR PARK
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Wenner convened the meeting at 6:04 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Wenner; Commissioners Garske, Bahneman and
DiGruttolo; Mayor Labadie; City Council Members Sanschagrin,
Callies; Park/Recreation Manager Czech
Absent: Commissioner Hirner
2. PARK TOURS
A. Manor Park
Items that were discussed on the tour:
Park Shelter
- Overall, the shelter seems to be in great shape
- Potential to add surveillance signs to help deter vandalism
- Ensure camera placement is appropriate
Pond
- Looks to be in great condition
- Suggestion of investigating potential solar lighting for rink use in the winter
o Compare cost savings to current usage
- Noted that routine treatment takes place on the pond area that has greatly
helped keep the algae and scum problems at bay
Playground
- Overall, the playground is in really great shape
- Railroad ties around the edge are starting to get worn and may need attention
- Thistle on exterior of playground that needs to be removed
Tennis Court
- Condition of court is significantly better than years past
o Noted recent work done on retaining wall
o Trimming of surrounding branches, trees, etc.
o Court surface in good condition
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- Need for weed control on and around court
- Pickleball lines need to be restriped
NE Corner of Park
- Noted brush pile that may reside on City property
General Comments
- Trees throughout park look to be in great condition
- Overall, a lovely park!
B. Southshore Park
Items that were discussed on the tour:
Potential Future Projects
- Pickleball Courts
o Parking lot area would need regrading
o Cost to regrade & install would be high
- Trail & Exercise Circuit
o Stations would be placed along trail throughout park
o Each station would need variety of difficulty levels to accommodate
different skill levels & age groups
o Higher expense than it would seem with quality equipment, trail
implementation, etc.
- Picnic area on east side of park with a shelter, grills, etc.
o “Tot Lot” near picnic area, small playground designed for toddlers
o Issue of Highway 7 not being fenced off is a concern
▪ Could fence the toddler playground area for safety
- Splash Pad
o High expense and high need for maintenance
- Wildflowers for butterflies and pollinators could be a nice addition around
community garden area
- High engagement would be needed for public input on future plans
Community Gardens
- Remain popular, although 5 plots are unused this year
General Comments
- Park is not currently listed on Google Maps
- Dead trees on east side of park
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o Would be sensible to remove if picnic area was intent for that area
- Noted some think community garden area is a dog park in the spring time
o Potential to fence in ice rink during summer months at Cathcart?
- Commission discussed the potential of leaving the park as-is as an option (no
amenities added)
C. Silverwood Park
Items that were discussed on the tour:
Playground
- Newest equipment in the City – in great condition
- Additional woodchips needed around slides
Picnic Area
- Noted popular gathering area with the nice playground
- Portable restroom is hard to locate if unfamiliar with the park
o Change in location needed? Proper signage to direct to restroom?
Pond
- Dead trees need to be removed
- Stump grinding needed on trees already removed
o Noted that park maintenance has plans to plant replacement trees
- Buckthorn surrounding pond area
- Concerns were expressed regarding a trail noted on the master plan that lead
through wooded area
o Noted that over time, master plans can change. Currently there is not
funding allocated or an expressed desire to implement new trail.
- Resident requested to mow thistle patches around the pond
Basketball/Tennis Court
- Preference for either full basketball or full tennis court expressed
o Residents in attendance disagreed and noted the court sees heavy use for
both sports
General Comments
- Surveillance of park?
o Sign noted by well station, but no camera seen
- Retaining wall behind well station looks to be leaning and may need attention
- Idea to add a drinking fountain
- Master plan needs to be reworked and updated
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D. Badger Park
Items that were discussed on the tour:
Tennis Courts
- Excellent condition
- Garbage cans could be useful at court entrance
- Noted that we need to ensure proper maintenance to keep court in excellent
condition for as long as possible
Picnic Shelter
- Youth attendees expressed a desire for more electrical outlets
- Lots of bikes were stored in the pavilion by park users
o High need for bike racks throughout the park
o Recommendation of rack at City Hall, Community Center, and nearby field
o Potential to add electrical outlets near bike rack was discussed in an
attempt to clear out pavilion
General Comments
- E-Bikes were very prevalent during the tour
o Safety concern of riders on sidewalks, through parking lot, and in non-
designated areas
o Idea of no bikes in pavilion area and conversations with youth sports
associations were discussed to correct behavior
- Concerns of garbage in wooded area and water
- Dead trees were noticed on the north side of the parking lot
3. ADJOURN
Commissioner Garske moved to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of June 25, 2024,
at 8:11 p.m. Commissioner DiGruttolo seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.