Lake Zurich board approves Breezewald Park improvements after heated public comment over trees and parking

The Lake Zurich Village Board voted to approve an agreement with DeLand Construction for the Breezewald Park improvement project, with a total project cost not to exceed $1,161,384.30, the board was told.

Trustee Marks introduced the project and said the work is intended to address safety and accessibility: a reconfigured, flow‑through parking pattern will allow vehicles to avoid backing uphill, upgraded ADA‑compliant pathways will replace failing surfaces, and a new beach wall and drainage features will reduce erosion. "The primary goal of this project was safety," Public Works Director Mike Brown said, explaining that the design also includes bioswales and permeable paver features to reduce stormwater runoff.

The plan would add nine parking spaces adjacent to the existing lot and make several site upgrades. Brown told the board staff recommended removing two trees after arborist review: a Chinese chestnut the village described as in poor condition (estimated life 30–40 years) and an oak the village estimated at roughly 150 years. He said those two trees have a combined replacement-value calculation equivalent to planting 10 new trees and that staff would seek appropriate replacement plantings across the park system.

Residents who spoke during the public comment period urged the board to reject the addition of parking into parkland. "This proposal conflicts sharply with the core mission and vision of the Ancient Oaks Foundation," Brian Sullivan, executive director of the Ancient Oaks Foundation, said. He warned expanding impervious surface would harm mature trees, fragment pollinator habitat and undermine the park's long‑term ecological value. Other commenters, including Martin Jablonski and Sherry Bridal, suggested alternatives such as a formal parking study, shared downtown parking pods, timed parking and re‑striping existing lots.

Trustees pressed staff on alternatives and tradeoffs. Several trustees said they were sympathetic to preserving tree canopy but emphasized safety and ADA access as priorities. Trustee Spacon suggested reworking the design to preserve the older oak while removing only the failing chestnut; Brown said staff could explore design pivots where feasible. The board also discussed permeable paving and noted that while some pervious materials are in the concept, soil conditions and underdrain needs could limit options or increase costs.

After discussion, the board moved to approve the contract. The motion passed on a roll call vote.

The village packet shows the project went out to bid on Jan. 8, 2026, and attracted six bids; staff reported they reviewed references for the low bidder, DeLand Construction, and found them qualified. Project timing discussed at the meeting targeted construction work in a narrow winter window to limit summer impacts; staff said work would begin in February with an objective to complete major site work before summer events.

The board and staff emphasized an intent to replace and add trees in the village's parks system, and Brown said the two trees identified for removal could be offset by larger replanting efforts elsewhere. Residents and trustees asked staff to continue outreach and consider additional alternatives where feasible. The village will move forward with the contract and begin coordination of construction and restoration plans.