Evanston Accepting Proposals For Harbert Park Renovation Project

EVANSTON, IL — City officials began accepting proposals Thursday for a renovation project in Harbert Park. The 13.5-acre park is located on the east side of the North Shore Channel from Main Street to Dempster Street.

The park is leased to the city through a long-term agreement with the Metropolitan Water Recommendation District that extends through May 2032, according to the city's request for proposals.

The park was named after Elizabeth Boyton Harbert, a founding member of the Women's Club of Evanston, in 1983. Currently, it has deteriorating equipment, flooding problems on its paths, accessibility issues, older lights and its basketball court needs to be replaced, according to the city.

In January, Evanston was awarded a $320,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to cover half of the project cost. Another $100,000 is coming from a gift from Northwestern University announced in November 2017, leaving the city to pay $220,000 for a $640,000 project.

All project proposals should include at least six major elements, according to the city. The basketball court will be completely reconstructed in the same location. A new picnic shelter will be built to replace an existing picnic area, with lighting at night. The playground will be reconstructed in the location. The existing lighting system will be upgraded, installing LED systems and repairs where needed. Flooding after rain and snow must be addressed with drainage improvements. Some existing furnishings such as benches, trash and coal bins, fountains, bike racks and more should be replaced.

On March 19, 2nd Ward Ald. Peter Braithwaite and city staff convened a meeting at a restaurant beside the park to discuss ideas. According to minutes of the meeting, residents shared their desires for the project and improvements to the park.

Many residents shared concerns about park maintenance, and Braithwaite suggested they call 311 with any issues. Several mentioned the park's extensive flooding of its bike path and other areas. as for the playground, several asked for a larger playground with more interesting equipment, natural colors and limited bright accents. Children in attendance at the meeting said they wanted climbing equipment, according to the meeting minutes.

Proposals must be submitted by April 30, and city staff hope to have a construction bid complete by the end of the year. The city aims to complete construction by August 2020. Work must be complete by the end of next year under the rules of the grant from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development.

Read more: City of Evanston Request for Proposals 19-21 for Harbert Park Renovations