Title/Name/Summary
Centennial Park Aquatic Center Modernization, Phase I - 15600 West Avenue - Fence
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Centennial Park Aquatic Center Modernization, Phase I - 15600 West Avenue - Fence
Legistar ID: 2024-0731
Project ID: AR-24-00486
Petitioner
Village of Orland Park
Joel Van Essen (Public Works Director)
Purpose
The petitioner is proposing to install an 8’ tall wood plastic composite fence along the perimeter of the Aquatic Center with 3 maintenance gates, 1 pedestrian gate, and 1 motorized sliding gate.
Requested Actions: Appearance Review
Project Attributes
Address: 15600 West Avenue
P.I.N.(s): 27-16-300-002-0000
Parcel Size: 20.33 acres
Comprehensive Plan Planning District: Centennial
Comprehensive Land Designation: Open Space, Parks, & Recreation
Existing Zoning: OS Open Space District
Existing Land Use: Commercial
Surrounding Land Use:
North: BIZ General Business District (Office)
South: OS Open Space District (Centennial Park)
East: OS Open Space District (Open Space)
West: OS Open Space District (Centennial Park)
HISTORY
The Centennial Park Aquatic Center (CPAC) Modernization Project has been approved by the Village Board to progress in three phases of construction. The first phase is planned to be completed in the Fall of 2024, and consists of the construction of general facility improvements, including lighting, fencing, gates, turnstile, windows, restrooms, landscaping, concrete work, locker room updates, security/PA system upgrades, and other aesthetic improvements. The fence installation triggers the requirement for an Appearance Review. Future project phases will take place over the next 3 years.
DETAILED PLANNING DISCUSSION
Fencing
According to section 6-310.F, fences in a non-residential district may be either solid or up to 50% open and shall not exceed 8’ in height. The proposed open fence is 8’ tall and encloses the entire Aquatic Center swimming pool and recreation area. In addition, five 8’ tall gates will be installed for maintenance and pedestrian access around the proposed fence.
According to Section 6-310.C, no fence shall be constructed in such a manner as to impede or alter the natural or engineered surface water drainage of the property upon which the fence is constructed or any adjoining property. A fence shall be installed 3” above the ground as measured from grade to the bottom of the fence panel to allow for natural surface water drainage. Exceptions may be made for open-style fences. Fences located in overland flow routes may have additional requirements pertaining to height above ground and being an open fence style in order to maintain stormwater flow as determined by the Director of Engineering. This requirement shall be met.
According to Section 6-310.H, a Village permit for fencing of a “Public Swimming Pool” will require an approval by county or state authorities having jurisdiction over “public swimming pools”. These permit approvals shall be obtained before applying for a permit. Certified copies of these approvals shall be filed as part of the supporting data for the permit application. Since this is a replacement of an existing fence, the Illinois Department of Public Health considers the work as maintenance work and does not require approval from the State. Therefore, this requirement is met.
Landscaping
The petitioner is also proposing to install substantial landscaping along the perimeter of the site. Plantings including arborvitaes, shrubs, and other plants to act as additional screening around the proposed fence. They’ve noted that all existing trees will be protected during construction.
Hey & Associates, Inc. have conducted a comprehensive review of the landscaping for the Centennial Park Aquatic Center site. Although the review did not result in a recommendation for approval of the preliminary landscaping plan, the planned scope of work is for a phased, building and grounds, maintenance and improvement project, and not a full site redevelopment. Each planned phase will come closer to compliance with landscaping requirements of the Land Development Code (LDC) incrementally. In addition to the Phase 1 landscaping, parkway trees are anticipated to be planted in the few gaps along West Avenue in accordance with the LDC requirements by fall 2025.
Recommended Action/Motion
The Appearance Review for the Village of Orland Park, case number 2024-0731, received September 25, 2024, was administratively approved on October 24th, 2024, subject to the following conditions:
1. A building permit must be obtained from the Village’s Building Department prior to initiating work.
2. Landscaping must be installed according to the Landscape Plan prepared by Tria Architecture dated August 29, 2024. All landscaping shall be installed by June 1, 2025.
3. Infill parkway trees to be planted along West Avenue, in accordance with the Land Development Code requirements by November 1, 2025.
4. Future project phases shall include additional landscaping improvements, as deemed appropriate within the proportion of the scope of work for the project phase.
5. Meet all Building and Land Development Code requirements.