Cook County FPD Board Receives 2025 Update to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting 
​December 17, 2024

The Board received the report on the annual update of capital improvement projects and funding needs for the next five (5) years (2025-2029). Capital improvement needs were identified by Forest Preserves’ staff, partner organizations, and members of the public. Requests for new or improved facilities, amenities, and infrastructure were submitted at the Capital Improvement Plan webpage on the Forest Preserves website. The draft report and appendix can be downloaded from the Forest Preserves’ Capital Improvement Plan webpage via the Forest Preserves website HERE.. 
The final report  will be posted in January 2025. 
The $286 million (five -year plan)  includes $55 million in projected spending for 2025 primarily for rehabilitation and renewal of existing trails and facilities including:

• Enhancements to the Des Plaines River Trail from the new Lawrence Avenue bridge south to Schiller Woods.
• Des Plaines River canoe and kayak access at Maywood Grove.
• Repaving of the popular 2.7-mile Midlothian Meadow loop trail.
• Structural repairs of limestone shelters at Harms Woods.
• Restroom renovation at Busse Woods and Dan Ryan Woods.
• New restroom facilities at Beaubien Woods Boat Launch.
• Building improvements at McGinnis Fisheries field station.
• Bridge repairs at Chick Evans and Edgebrook Golf Courses.
• New trailhead and wayfinding signs at various trailhead locations. 

Other Board Action:

​Sustainable Purchasing  (Repeal of outdated recycling ordinance)  Approved a Recycled Product Procurement Policy that replaces an outdated recycling ordinance. Included are definitions, designated products, purchasing requirements, rules, and exemptions. Effective: January 1, 2025.

Amended Contract between Dept of Planning and Development with the Glencoe Golf Course, Village of Glencoe. Agreement relating to the use of 66 acres of  Forest Preserves property for public golf course purposes, including construction of a new clubhouse building complex, by GGC and/or the Village Contract Period Extended from June 15, 2037, to June 14, 2049. As amended the previously agreed upon clubhouse complex boundary might be slightly modified upon completion of a survey and will include a stormwater retention system. The new clubhouse will focus on sustainability features. 

Retirements: MICHELLE GAGE Director of Human Resources for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (14 years of service),  CATHY GERAGHTY (25 years) Director of External and Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the General Superintendent,  DELIO CALZOLARI Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs from July 2017 

Observer: Valerie Krejcie