Hinsdale trustees and residents back privately funded Burlington Park pavilion; commission gives feedback

Alexis Braden, a member of the Hinsdale board of trustees, presented a proposal for a permanent pavilion at Burlington Park, saying the pavilion would replace the current rented stage used for Uniquely Thursday and other community events. “After years of suggestions from residents…220 residents responded with more than 72% supporting the pavilion addition,” Braden said.

The design presented to the commission features a gable-front roof, cupola with an oculus window, Chippendale-style railing and a raised brick foundation intended to match the adjacent Memorial Hall. Braden said the footprint would be approximately 20 by 30 feet (the current temporary stage is roughly 20 by 20) and that the working group engaged local architect Michael Abraham to produce three renderings based on historic research.

Commissioners questioned siting and orientation: whether the pavilion should align with the street or be angled toward the fountain. Braden and staff said the West Side location was chosen to preserve the historical sight line from the train to Memorial Hall and to avoid underground utilities and Salt Creek. “We didn't want to build anything that could obstruct that view,” Braden said.

Accessibility and materials drew particular scrutiny. Staff said the proposed accessibility ramp will be gradual and is planned to be about 15 feet wide; commissioners suggested narrowing the ramp and softening its appearance with additional landscaping. Roofing options discussed included true slate to match Memorial Hall or a cost-saving faux-slate product; Braden said bids will include material alternatives.

Funding and timeline. Presenters said the project is intended to be privately funded: the Hinsdale Chamber has committed $100,000 and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hospital is a principal donor with a capped matching commitment (terms not finalized). Letters of intent will be presented to the village board, the exterior site plan will go to the plan commission next week, bids are planned in March and the village board could award a contract in April with a target completion of July 2026.

What’s next: staff and the working group will refine ramp dimensions, final materials and placement choices and will return with revised plans for further review before plan commission and village board consideration.