Board approves Wanick Park playscape, Miller Pond plantings and expands trail planning

The Village of Sherwood’s parks agenda in 2009 focused on three connected priorities: improving park facilities, expanding trails and planting trees.

The board approved a $74,406 playscape package from Lee Recreation for Wanick Park — including a substitution for shredded rubber surfacing — and authorized site preparation and installation work. The PRUT Board and staff coordinated delivery and volunteer planting plans for Miller Pond seedlings, with assistance from DNR personnel and school volunteers. Trustees also discussed trail connections and voted to update the official trail map to reflect new park land purchases and future segments.

Why it matters: The playscape purchase and parkland acquisitions are intended to improve recreation amenities and open-space connections in Sherwood. The village used TIF funds for some park work and took steps to ensure volunteer labor and procurement timelines matched manufacturer discounts and grant windows.

Details and follow-up: The Wanick installation was scheduled for late July; trustees approved up to $5,000 for additional drainage tile studies to address soccer-field drainage and authorized J & E Construction for site prep. Tree tubes, stakes and herbicide were approved to protect new seedling plantings at Miller Pond, and staff were asked to pursue additional trail easements adjacent to Lakeshore Estates to extend the Miller Pond trail toward Pigeon Road.

Outcome: The board moved forward on capital purchases and parkland planning while reserving the final trail alignment and funding details for future capital budget cycles.