Last month, the Western Springs planning team began outreach and engagement efforts for the Spring into our Future Western Springs Comprehensive Plan update. The plan will analyze, envision, and set forward recommendations for the Village’s future. The 15-month planning process kicked off at one of Western Springs’ favorite events: Gathering on the Green.
Gathering on the Green was filled with music, activities, great food, and a lively engagement activity hosted by the Western Springs planning team! The ideas we gathered from long-time residents, newcomers, frequent visitors, and neighborhood kids made for an exciting start to the planning process.
At the pop-up, participants had the opportunity to map some of their favorite spots in town. The mapping activity quickly demonstrated community members’ love of places like downtown and Spring Rock Park. Participants also highlighted a variety of infrastructure and safety improvements that pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers are passionate about.
Other ideas included: bringing in more restaurants to the downtown, creating kid-friendly hangout spots, increasing community events, adding more seating options in the downtown and other areas throughout the Village, and adding more sidewalks.
Overall, our discussions with community members made one thing very clear: people love Western Springs. That’s why your feedback is so important when planning for Western Springs’ future.
Check out some of the Big Ideas we heard from you!
Transportation & Infrastructure:
- Add sidewalks, protect and promote walkability
- Intersection improvements (e.g. Wolf Rd and 47th Street, Wolf Road and 55th Street, 47th Street near Spring Rock Park)
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Increased pedestrian and cyclist safety
Community Facilities, Programs, & Events:
- Create a bike exchange event
- Increase special events
- Have more events at the Village Green (Water Tower)
- Create a teen club/increase events for pre-teens
- Public pool
Placemaking & Economic Development:
- Fast casual restaurant options (kid-friendly)
- More variety in downtown restaurants
- Breakfast and coffee places
- Disincentivize teardowns
- New shops
- Public bulletin board/kiosk
Couldn’t make it?
Didn’t have a chance to visit Gathering on the Green and want to learn more about the Western Springs “Spring into our Future” Comprehensive Plan? Click here to visit the About page on the project website. Then head to the Comment Map to start sharing your thoughts about the future of Western Springs.
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the Comprehensive Plan to receive news and updates about feedback opportunities and documents sent directly to your email!