Property Purchase Adjacent to Techny Prairie Park and Fields
On December 16, 2011, the Park District closed on a six-acre parcel at 180 North Anets Drive. The property was annexed into the Village and became part of Techny Prairie Park and Fields. The former manufacturing plant on the parcel was removed, and many of the materials (brick, steel and concrete) were reused. No decision has been made about the future of the property.
The Park District is continuing a public process to determine how to use the land and to collect community feedback about recreation options. In 2009, a Community Survey identified residents’ greatest unmet needs as: walking and biking trails, indoor fitness and exercise facilities, outdoor swimming pools/water parks, indoor running/walking track and indoor swimming/leisure pools. Click here to view 2009 Community Survey results.
As a follow-up to the 2009 survey, the Park District commissioned a survey In January and February of 2012 to collect community feedback about recreational options and help determine how to use the six-acre parcel. The survey was conducted by Leisure Vision/ETC Institute, an independent, nationally known consulting firm that specializes in park and recreation surveys. Click here for a summary of the results.
| Community Forums Thank you to everyone who attended our Community Forums to discuss the results of the 2012 Community Survey. The consulting firm that conducted those meetings issued a report with key findings and recommendations. Click here to view the report. |
History
In 2000, the Park District purchased 60 acres from the Anetsberger family and combined the land with the adjacent Meadowhill Park South to create Techny Prairie Park and Fields, a recreational showpiece that serves a wide range of ages, abilities and interests. As part of the purchase, the District negotiated an option agreement for the remaining six acres. When the family decided to sell the last parcel, the Board of Park Commissioners exercised the option to buy it. The purchase price was $2.1 million, and the District was able to buy the land with existing funds.
An Opportunity for the Community
The Mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance our community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship. The Comprehensive Master Plan recommends that the District acquire land next to existing parks, when possible. The six-acre site aligns with the Master Plan, because the property is adjacent to Techny Prairie Park and Fields. The Board considers the property to be an outstanding investment and opportunity to benefit the community for future generations. If you have questions or comments about the property purchase, click here to send us an email.
