Cultural Landscape Defines Forest Park's Future

A group of Lake Forest residents made it clear last week that they want to see as few changes as possible made to as the city continues to work toward a master plan for the future of Lake Forest’s oldest park.

In a joint informational meeting between the Historic Preservation Commission, and the , which took place Sept. 21 at , residents and board members received an update from three separate committees of the Forest Park Project Board, and were given the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for the master plan.

“This is a presentation of findings to date,” explained Mary Van Arsdale, Lake Forest’s director of parks, forestry and recreation. “No actions will be taken by the board.”

Discussions on a master plan for Forest Park, which is the only park in Lake Forest that does not have a master plan, began two years ago, and has involved the input of a wide variety of residents.

“Our mission means we must be proactive and look at the park comprehensively in terms of the needs of the entire community, not just a vocal minority,” said Ralph Gesualdo, chairman of the Forest Park Project Board.

'Cultural Landscape'

Throughout last week’s meeting, a common phrase was brought up among board and committee members and residents alike to describe Forest Park — cultural landscape.

According to Gail Hodges, of the Forest Park Board Historic Preservation Committee, the park is a cultural landscape as defined by the U.S. Department of the Interior because it exemplifies the work of two distinguished 19^th century landscape architects, Almerin Hotchkiss and O.C. Simonds.

In addition, established in 1896, it is one of the earliest public parks in the country.

Because Forest Park is a cultural landscape, it has to comply with statutory requirements including the Interior Department’s standards for the treatment of such a property.

Hodges explained the design philosophy intended for Forest Park included a street plan defined by topography, hydrology, and vegetative features, the curving of roadways integrated into the park’s natural terrain, and preservation of the natural landscape.

“We should have respect for the historic character while rehabilitating the park,” she said of any improvements that are made to the park’s ring road, walking paths, Belvederes, bluffs, ravines, forest, understories, and vistas.

Forest Park Designed or Natural?

There is some degree of disagreement with the board’s Historic Preservation Committee and the Landscape and Horticultural Committee about whether or not Forest Park was actually designed, or simply established among the natural landscape

“What is our place in managing this property when so much of it is in a natural condition?” asked Landscape and Horticultural Committee Chairman Cliff Miller.

However, many residents who spoke during public comment at the meeting stressed the importance of honoring the landscape architects’ intended design of Forest Park, in particular the later work of O.C. Simonds, who laid out the ring road, which allows the public to view Lake Michigan from their vehicles.

“If you can urge the use of the cultural landscape process, many unresolved issues will fall into place,” said resident Rommie Lopat.

“O.C. Simonds’ design still works at Forest Park after more than 100 years,” added Neva GaNun, who was among many who encouraged the city to make only needed structural changes to the park, and not alter the historic area.

What's Next

Although work on the Forest Park master plan has been taking place for two years, the city is not planning to take any official steps toward adopting the plan without adequate research and input from residents.

The public will review all proposed plans for the park, and a public hearing will be held before the City Council considers any recommended action.

Gesualdo indicated the input from the meeting will be used to refine the Forest Park Project Board's recommendations for the master plan. No public meeting is scheduled in the near future.

“We want to find out what truly the residents want,” said Gesualdo. “We want the citizens of Lake Forest to have the control.”