By Karen Mahoney
Correspondent
Members of the vilage’s Plan Commission toured the Lincoln Woods Memorial Nature Park with Public Works Director, Mark Osmundson last month to discuss the possible purchase of an easement to enable emergency vehicle access.
Upon the passing of the late resident, Nancy Molitor’s, she willed the property to the Village and requested that it be known as Lincoln Woods Park.
In her will, she stipulated that the land be utilized by the community. The Public Works Department has created a wood chip walkway on the south side of Backwoods Storage along Commerce Drive as an access point into what will become a nature path.
Plans include wildflower planting, with labels for school children to read when taking field trips to the area. The trails will be available for outdoor enthusiasts to walk, hike, cross country ski and snowshoe. However, without an easement, the area is not conducive to providing access to police and other emergency vehicles.
After walking the trail, village officials observed useable green space within the 18 acres of land. Issues regarding, lighting, dedication, signs, parking, and future access to the woods were discussed.
According to the Commission’s findings, the western most edge of the woods abuts the Christensen’s farm and they are looking at a future purchase of a 20-foot easement.
While the farmland is in Yorkville township, the northeastern portion of the woods appeared to be butting up to a future development that was previously called “Canopy Hills.”
It is possible that access could be created from “Lincoln Woods” to “Canopy Hill.”
Bike racks and benches could be donated or funded through a grant from S.C Johnson to enhance the park use. The Commission also discussed trash removal be done by volunteers on a rotating basis.
The Commission voted to approve the Union Grove Park and Recreation Department to research and bring back to the Planning Commission to explore the feasibility of a southwest access to Lincoln Woods.
According to Chairman Ron Bogard, the assessment will take some time to complete.
“They have much homework to do before we are able to make an offer to purchase an easement,” he said.
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