Arrington Foundation Donation to Benefit Lagoon Restoration Project
The City of Evanston held a donation recognition event on Wednesday, June 29 at Dawes Park to thank The Arrington Foundation for a $500,000 donation that will be used to renovate the park's lagoon. Evanston's mayor, the honorable Elizabeth B. Tisdahl, was joined by State Senator Jeffrey M. Schoenberg, State Representative Robyn Gabel, and six aldermen in thanking The Arrington Foundation and the Arrington family for their contribution.
The Arrington Foundation was represented by Michael B. Arrington, an Evanston resident and the Foundation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as other family members. During the event, it was announced that the City anticipates naming the park's lagoon the Arrington Lakefront Lagoon in memory of Michael Arrington’s father, the late W. Russell Arrington. A distinguished member of the Illinois General Assembly from 1945 to 1973, W. Russell Arrington was a member of the Illinois House and leader of the Illinois Senate.
Mayor Tisdahl said, “I think it's tremendously important to … celebrate Russell Arrington's contributions to this city and to this state.” She continued, “We don't do enough to celebrate the individuals who have made us what we are, so I'd like to thank the Arrington family, not only for the money, which is fabulous, but for reminding us all to celebrate our history. . .”
Other Arrington family members present included W. Russell Arrington’s daughter, Patricia Smythe, who serves on The Arrington Foundation; Smythe’s son, Steve; Michael Arrington’s daughter, Jennifer Breen; and Breen’s daughters Una and Dorothy. Aldermen attending the event were Judy Fiske, Melissa A. Wynne, Delores A. Holmes, Jane Grover, Ann Rainey and Coleen Burrus.
Dawes Park, which is located at Sheridan Road at Church Street, will undergo a major renovation project. In addition to the $500,000 donation, the project will be funded by $100,000 from the City’s Capital Improvement Program. City staff also has applied for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Funding is limited to a maximum grant award of $400,000.
Commenting on the multiple funding sources for the project, Michael Arrington said, “I'm sure with a million dollars we can have a considerable change to make this area more beautiful and more enjoyable, not only for the City and citizens of Evanston, but all the surrounding communities.” He added, “When we get this area developed, it will be a prime spot for the whole Chicagoland area.”
The site currently has numerous capital needs; renovations will focus on plumbing and lagoon basin system components; a stone waterfall; stonework; failing and non-ADA compliant pavements; site furnishings, such as benches and trash receptacles; electrical components; landscaping; and site identification signage. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2013 in order to limit impacts to lakefront operations.
Photos: Michael B. Arrington and Elizabeth B. Tisdahl at the donation recognition event at Dawes Park on June 29, 2011.