South Overlook Update

Friday, April 23, 2021

We’re pleased to announce that the Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners has begun repairs to the South Overlook (the Hazel Avenue overlook at Lakefront Park). The project goal is to repair the existing overlook wall and prevent further erosion to the soils at the base of the wall. Weather depending, construction will be completed by May 31, 2021 (Memorial Day).  

Project components include: 

  • Repairs to the South Overlook (Hazel Avenue) foundation. 
  • New erosion-resistant native landscaping on the Hazel Avenue bluff in front of the Overlook. 

Why is this project happening?

In 2018, the Glencoe Park District commissioned an Engineering Assessment for the unique amenities at Glencoe Beach/Lakefront Park. Engineers examined the overlooks and retaining walls, as well as the Halfway House and Safran Beach House structures. The engineers recommended for repairs over a 3-5 year period to maximize the lifespan of the existing amenities. Based on these recommendations, the Halfway House was restored in the Fall of 2019 and the Schuman Overlook (Park Avenue) was reinforced in 2020. Repairs were also made to a portion of the Park Avenue ramp. The next engineer-recommended priority is repairs to the South Overlook (Hazel Avenue), including strengthening the foundations.

How much does construction cost? Will it raise my taxes?

Repairs to the South Overlook (Hazel Avenue) are projected to cost $159,600. The construction is funded from the following source:

  • The construction/repair costs of this amenity is funded by a slight tax increase. A non-referendum bond issued by the Board of Commissioners of the Glencoe Park District in the amount of $4.5 million in September of 2020. The bond was issued when interest rates were near an all-time historical low of 3.35%. This is the first debt issuance done by the Park District since 2006.
  • The total bond issuance will cost the average tax payer $36 for every $800,000 of home value. So for a home valued at $1.6 million, a resident can expect to pay an additional $72 per year.  The bond will be used to fund Glencoe Park District capital projects.
  • While the District has been able to transfer $7.3 million from fund balance reserves in the past seven years at no additional debt service (i.e. principal and interest costs) to the taxpayers, the ability to continue to fund all of the necessary infrastructure projects this way, especially during the pandemic, will not be likely in the coming years.

How long will construction take?

Construction will begin in the early spring of 2021 and will be completed by Memorial Day (May 31, 2021). Dates may vary and are weather dependent.

When will the contractors work on the project?

Construction is allowed during the regular Village of Glencoe Construction Hours: 7 AM-6 PM, Monday-Friday and 9 AM-6 PM, Saturdays. Work is not permitted on Sundays or holidays

Will construction affect the use of the Overlook?

The South Overlook will be closed for portions of the project. The Schuman Overlook (Park Avenue) will be open during construction.

Will construction affect access to Glencoe Beach/Perlman Boating Beach?

The Hazel Avenue ramp will be closed to non-essential traffic for portions of the project. The beach will still be accessible via the Park Avenue ramp.

Will construction affect pedestrian access to the Hazel Avenue ramp?

The Hazel Avenue ramp will be closed to pedestrian traffic for portions of the project.

Will the contractors block my driveway?

Contractors will not be permitted to block residential driveways.