Current Capital Improvement Projects

Mills Park Renovation Project

1/11/12 Project Update: The Mills Park Improvement Project is progressing with 90% of the walkways poured, new landscaping installed around Pleasant Home, and the fence along Marion Street and Pleasant Place removed. Currently the steel fence columns are being restored, the foundation for the new seat retaining wall along Marion Street is being constructed and work is progressing on the new park lights. The park will remain closed over the winter as proper curing and sealing of the concrete is needed. Look for a new and improved Mills Park in summer 2012.

10/20/11 Project Update: The renovation of Mills Park has begun. Most of the park will be closed during the first stages of construction for the safety of our park patrons. A small section of the northeast area of the park will remain open. Currently preparations are being made to pour new walkways in the park.

9/7/2011 Project Update: Soil Remediation at Mills Park begins 9/12/11. During research on the history of Pleasant Home, it was discovered that lead-based paint was used on the home and some lead was found in the top few inches of soil near the south and west sides of the home. During the project, soil will be removed from 6 to 12 inches deep, starting at the foundation of Pleasant Home and moving out from 10 to 20 feet from the home. Truckloads of clean soil to replace the removed soil have been delivered to Mills Park from Taylor Park, which is currently being renovated. After the removal work, soil samples will be tested to confirm that the clean-up is complete. The work is expected to be complete by late September. See the fact sheet for more information.

Project History

Mills Park is a 4.5 acre park located at Pleasant Street and Home Avenue. The park is the former estate of the Farson (1892-1910) and Mills (1911-1939) families.  The estate was sold to the Park District in 1939. It includes Pleasant Home, a National Historic Landmark that is operated by the Pleasant Home Foundation.

In 2008, following a three-month long community planning process, the Park Board of Commissioners accepted the Mills Park site plan.

Project Summary

In fall 2011, the first phase of the Mills Park renovation project will commence. During the site planning process, three specific use areas were identified for the park. The east side is considered the historic corridor of the park, the central area is the open meadow corridor and the west side along Marion Street will be a family/discovery area. New accessible entrances in the fence (restored in 2011) have opened the historic site to all, allowing greater access to the museum and park.

Park improvements will include paved walkways leading to and from these new entrances that will heighten access throughout Mills Park. Other improvements will include a looped walking path in the northwest corner, interpretive signage, and a children's "nature discovery" play area including a unique labyrinth using motifs from Pleasant Home. New benches, lighting and landscaping will also be part of this project. In this phase, 51 shade trees and 86 ornamental trees will be planted throughout the park. Additionally 7 heritage oak trees will be planted at a later date. The historic fountain shown in the site plan is not included in this phase of improvements. Private funding is needed for the fountain restoration.

Project Funding
Total cost for the Mills Park Renovation Project is approximately $1 million. A $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been secured. Remaining funding has been allocated through the Park District’s capital improvement budget.

Pleasant Home, Mills Park Availability
During construction, the home will remain OPEN for visitors and special events. Accessibility to various areas of the park during construction is yet to be determined.

Project Timeline
In August 2011 the Park District, through a competitive bid process, will hire a contractor to complete the renovation. Work is expected to begin shortly thereafter. A more detailed timeline will be available after September 1 by request. The project is estimated to be completed summer 2012.

About the Pleasant Home Foundation
Pleasant Home Foundation is a non-profit organization entrusted with the operation and restoration of Pleasant Home. Donations at all levels are needed and appreciated.