Wilmette’s Ice Rink Wins Some Neighbors Over

Wilmette Park District is looking to address noise and light issues at Thornwood Park's ice rink and will review possible changes in the next two months, Chicago Tribune reports.

  When Wilmette Park District approved building an ice rink in Wilmette’s Thornwood Park, the decision faced backlash from residents, especially Wilmettans who neighbor the park, but now some residents say the ice rink is a nice option for the community, Chicago Tribune reports. What do you think of Thornwood Ice Rink? Do you like having it in Wilmette? Tell us in the comment section below. Wilmette Park District Director Steve Wilson says he’s received compliments and complaints on the rink but overall he is pleased with the rink since it opened in January—the park district is looking to address complaints about noise, especially the sound of pucks hitting the hockey goals and the lights and will review possible changes for next winter in…

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Park District Approves Thornwood Ice Rink

The board of commissioners gave the project the green light during a special meeting Monday evening.

The Wilmette Park District's Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Monday to spend $37,000 to $39,000 to create an ice rink at Thornwood Park, TribLocal reports. The decision faced significant backlash from residents, especially Wilmettans who neighbor the park, during the special board meeting. Several residents have accused the Park District officials of not hosting enough opportunities for public discussion. Earlier: Read more about the Thornwood Park ice rink debate on Patch “There’s a belief that there are more children in that area. . . It is centrally located and they will come and use it," said Commissioner Darrell Graham, according to TribLocal. Read the full TribLocal story on Thornwood's new ice rink. Like Wilmette-Kenilworth…

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Residents Unsatisfied With Park Ice Rink Revisions

Despite changes, the Wilmette Park District can't mollify some about plans for Thornwood facility.

After hearing negative reactions from concerned residents, the Wilmette Park commissioners revised their proposal Monday for a temporary ice rink at Thornwood Park. Among other changes, the new version focuses on temporary lighting, reduced hours, a smaller surface and mixed use for both hockey players and casual skaters. Earlier: Check out Patch's coverage of the ice rink debate Instead of 180 feet long by 60 feet wide, the rink would be 160 feet by 60 feet. Instead of permanent fixtures, there would be two temporary wooden polls with two lights each, which would not be turned on when there's no usable ice. Also, instead of following the park's hours (sunrise to 10 p.m.), the rink would be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday through …

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Community Letters

Resident: 'I strongly Urge You to Delay Voting on the Proposal to Build the Ice Rink'

A Wilmette resident weighs in on the proposed Thornwood Park ice rink debate. What do you think?

The following letter to the editor was also submitted to the Wilmette Park District's Board of Commissioners. The message comes from resident Gina B. Kennedy. Read more on the Thornwood Park ice rink debate. Dear Commissioners, I am writing in regard to the proposal under consideration by the board to build an outdoor ice rink at Thornwood Park. I know that you have received quite a few letters and other comments regarding the proposed rink, particularly from homeowners in close proximity to the park who will be most affected by it. While I am sympathetic to their concerns about the disruption such a facility will cause to the character of the park and to the neighborhood, I will leave it to them to express these concerns themselves. I …

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Park Board Roundup: Highlights of Recent Meeting

Preschool fee increases among items approved by the Wilmette commissioners.

The Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners approved several bids and a 10 percent increase in preschool fees as well as heard about a possible hike in salaries during their meeting Monday at the Village Hall. They also discussed several committee reports, including announcements from Parks and Recreation, Financial Planning and Policy, and Golf Operations. After the meeting, the board held a public hearing regarding the proposed ice rink at Thornwood Park. Commissioner Darrell Graham reported a proposed fee increase of 3.5 percent and a 2 percent increase in full-time and part-time salaries. Debt issues will be discussed at the Financial Planning and Policy meeting on Sept. 19. Earlier: Park District to Review Boat Safety Restrictions Bids …

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Community Letters

Wilmette Resident: 'There are More People Who Would Love Outdoor Winter Recreation"

The following is a letter to the editor from a Wilmette resident regarding the proposed Thornwood Park ice rink.

The following is a letter to the editor from Wilmette resident Kara McAlister. Like Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch on Facebook to join the discussion. In response to the letter about a "High Majority of Thornwood Park Neighbors Oppose Ice Rink," I would like to disagree with that assumption!! Unfortunately, it seems that the "letter," that went out regarding a recreational rink in Thornwood Park has been misread and misinterpreted. The letter that I read and received from the Park District is a proposal and states that in a "preliminary review of this request (for an ice rink in Thornwood Park) the Park District, based on its experience, has identified issues . . . and would like to solicit your input as a neighbor." They, then, go on to list …

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Community Letters

Wilmette Residents: 'We Owe it to the Community to Continue the Thornwood Ice Rink Discussion'

The following is a letter to the editor about the proposed ice rink in Thornwood Park.

The following is a letter to the editor from Barbara and Bob Murray, who live on Dartmouth Street near Thornwood Park. Many Kenilworth Gardens families are excited about the opening proposal for an ice surface at Thornwood Park. Most kids get home from school in the winter and play video games and eat junk food. If they have activities - most likely they are indoors and their parents are driving them to/from these indoor activities. Earlier: Read more about the Thornwood Park debate. Why not create a positive, outdoor activity which would build 'community' and strengthen neighborhood ties. Kenilworth Gardens residents could walk to the ice surface—therefore encouraging all of us and our children to be 'green'. Most parents would admit we …

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Community Letters

Wilmette Resident: 'High Majority of Thornwood Park Neighbors Oppose Ice Rink'

How do you feel about the potential ice rink?

The following is a Letter to the Editor from a Wilmette resident who neighbors Thornwood Park on Kenilworth Avenue, Jody Franson. Read more on the Thornwood Ice Park here. Like Wilmett-Kenilworth Patch on Facebook to join the conversation. Recently, residents surrounding Thornwood Park in Wilmette were notified that a plan for a “hockey only” ice rink is in the works to be installed in the green space of Thornwood Park. This proposed ice rink would have lighting installed, boards and dashers surrounding the ice surface. After polling the families around Thornwood Park, it has been revealed that a high majority of residents are opposed to having an ice hockey rink installed at Thornwood Park during the winters.  There are many reasons for …

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Wilmette Voter

6:52 am on Friday, September 9, 2011

When I was a kid, we used to leave the house in the morning and came home either when the street light came on or my dad whistled. Most days, they didn't even know where we were. I also used to go to the airport and meet my dad at the gate when we were picking him up from a business trip. You can't roll back the clock by pouring ice in a park... Just because people don't agree with you doesn't …   more ›

Wilmette Weighs Lifting Hockey Ban at Rink

Recreation board puts off a decision on diversifying winter activities at Thornwood Park.

Wilmette's third outdoor ice skating rink may take on a little different shape than the other two. “We're considering a different kind of rink, one with back stops so kids can play hockey,” said Wilmette Parks District Commissioner Mike Murdock after a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee on Monday night. In the past, Wilmette outdoor rinks allowed recreational skating only, and ice hockey was prohibited. But one is being considered for Thornwood Park. But Commissioner Darrel Graham pushed for a hockey rink, noting the village does not have the demand for three figure skating rinks. “I do think this is beneficial for the residents of Wilmette. It's rare that these other rinks are at full use," Graham said. This winter, outdoor ice…

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