Issue link: https://pdop.uberflip.com/i/549645
PARK RENEWAL PROJECTS Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden Grand Opening Saturday, September 12 at 10AM You are invited to celebrate with us as we officially open the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden on Saturday, September 12 at 10am. This unique garden, located on the east side of the Oak Park Conservatory along East Avenue, invites both children and adults to observe, touch and interact with nature in all seasons. Its name- sake, Elsie Jacobsen, started the "Save the Garfield Conservatory" (now known as the Oak Park Conservatory) drive in 1970. Without her efforts, the Conservatory would not exist today. This project has been made possible through a generous donation from the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory, a gracious partner of the Park District's for many years. Their generosity, volunteer spirit, and dedication to the Conservatory make Oak Park a more beautiful place to live. 2016 Park Projects The Board of Park Commissioners recently approved the 2016-2020 Capital Improvement Budget (CIP). This 5-year plan, which outlines all planned capital projects and costs involved, is reviewed and updated by the Board annually. Projects slated for 2016 include Phase II renovation of Maple Park and facility entry improve- ments at Longfellow Center. You can view the 2016-2020 CIP at www.pdop.org. Coming Spring 2016: Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center (EEC) The following high performance and innovative sustainable design elements will be featured in the Environmental Education Center coming in spring 2016 to Austin Gardens. These elements serve as examples for homeowners who can incorporate these features into their own homes: • A Geo-thermal system which uses the earth's energy for heating, air conditioning and comfort control inside • A Photovoltaic array on the roof which uses the sun's energy to supply the projected electric- ity needs of the building • A Green roof which absorbs rainfall, reduces heat loads, and gives carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere • Storm water harvesting through a cistern and diversion for toilet flushing • Raingarden/bioswales to absorb the cistern overflow and the excess rain run-off as a feature in the garden • Energy efficient building envelope and mechanical systems The Environmental Education Center is designed to be LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmen- tal Design) Platinum certified. The Park District secured grant funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in support of this project. Grant funds were also secured to specifically offset the cost of the photovoltaic array, the geo-thermal system and the LEED commissioning. For more details visit www.pdop.org. Tree Planting in Scoville Park Representatives from the Park District and Village as well as West Suburban TreeKeepers and The Learning Gardens of Oak Park joined together with over 50 residents to celebrate Arbor Day in Scoville Park on Friday, April 24. The Village's recent designation as Illinois' first municipal arboretum was recognized at the event and the Green Club from Beye Elementary School planted nearly a dozen tree saplings grown from the acorns of some of Oak Park's oldest oak trees. Thanks to everyone who participated - it was an amazing event!