Wilmette Park District

This document provides an annual update on the progress of The Park District's Guide to Green Sustainability Plan. The plan is structured around five key focus areas: District Operations, Education Initiatives, Energy and Emissions, Land Stewardship, and Waste Management. The update aims to inform the Park Board, staff, and community regarding the ongoing implementation and achievements of the plan's sustainability objectives.

This document describes the installation of a new solar panel system at the Community Recreation Center by the Wulmet Park District and the Village of Wultt. It details the environmental benefits, including preventing 14,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions over 30 years, and financial savings of an estimated $50,000 annually. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and aims to set an example for future generations, contributing clean, renewable energy to the facility and the broader community.

The primary meeting addressed the consent agenda, which included approvals for minutes from prior Finance Committee of the Whole, Committee of the Whole, and a Regular Board Meeting, along with the February 2026 Voucher List. Key discussions involved an update from the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) and staff reports covering the Executive Director, Golf, Parks and Planning, Recreation, Operations, and Finance. New business focused on the consideration of carpet installation at the CRC, and the purchase of a truck and a dump truck.

The primary action during this special board meeting was the consideration and approval of Resolution 2026-R-1 regarding a lease agreement with the Beth Hillel Congregation. Following this, the meeting was adjourned.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the January 2026 Financial Update, the Comprehensive & Strategic Plan Annual Recap, and an update regarding the Centennial Cooling Tower. The Centennial Cooling Tower replacement necessitates relocating the unit from the rooftop to a ground-mounted installation, requiring the construction of an acoustical wall to comply with noise ordinances, for which a variance was unanimously approved by the Zoning Board. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn to a closed session for the discussion of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee.