Board of Trustees Restricts Use of Lights at Thornwood Park

The Wilmette Board of Trustees, Park District and Village residents debated the merits of seasonal lights for the in at Tuesday’s meeting. The result was several conditions regarding the use of lights, with one trustee recommending that more studies be conducted to ensure the lights won't be a nuisance to the park's neighbors.

Wilmette resident Caryn Summer said she was opposed to the lights, but not to the ice rink.

"I think the lights will change the character of the park and the character of the neighborhood and create hardship for the residents," Summer said. "Given the proximity of residents, and the direction of the lights... I think that's something that should be looked at by the Park District."

Two 18-foot poles, each with two lights, will be mounted along the 60-foot by 160-foot ice rink, according to the Wilmette Park District. Zoning provisions require that the maximum illumination for each light must not exceed a half-foot candle.

Steve Wilson, executive director of the Park District, said a photometric study was conducted which indicated the lights will conform to this rule.

Trustee Mike Basil asked Wilson about the possibility of light reflecting off the snow, and suggested another photometric study be conducted.

"If changes need to be made this year, or the end of the year, we are definitely open to those changes," Wilson replied.

Bill Lambrecht, superintendent of parks and planning, agreed.

"We've made promises to neighbors that we will make modifications to the glare shields," he said. "I can't foresee any circumstance that we would go past a half-foot candle," Lambert added. "If we had to come up with an alternative fixture, we'd come up with an alternative fixture."

Park District attorney Charlene Holtz said that is expected during the zoning approval process. Holtz predicted that once residents get used to the ice rink's presence, they'll come to appreciate what it has to offer the community.

"I think we're actually going to be creating something that the neighbors will like," Holtz said. "We have an obligation to the community and we have an obligation to the youth, to have them out , instead of engaging in pursuits that aren't good for them."

Jim Brault, president of the Wilmette Park Board, said the lights around the ice surface at Mallinckrodt Park are closer to neighboring houses than the proposed lights at Thornwood Park, yet no resident has
come forward with any problems.

"Over the last five years, we've had exactly zero complaints," Brault said.

Summer still said she was concerned about other potential disturbances.

"An for drop-off and pick-up, honking of horns, idling of cars," Summer said. "Loud snow removal equipment at odd hours... we're adding more disruption to the residential area.

The Board of Trustees did agree on several conditions for the use of seasonal lights. Lights will only be used when the and will be turned off at 7:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The Thornwood Park ice rink will be open from Dec. 15 to March 15th.