The Preserve

The Preserve converted the landscape of a former golf course to an interactive nature experience and play space for all ages. Existing features help to define activities, and are used to create unique experiences as visitors move throughout the site. As an intergenerational nature playscape, The Preserve will offer opportunities to engage with one’s environment on varying levels and includes Gateway and Connector multi-use trails, interior destination pathways, and meandering nature trails. Native plantings wind through the park while turf areas provide space for programmed events, special events, and picnics. Situated along the Skokie River, the site responds to fluctuating water levels, creating an ephemeral experience that changes with the time, day, and season. Low lying areas, planted with wetland species, will create opportunities for diverse habitats and different visitor experiences.

The Park District of Highland Park retained Hey to design this new park. Hey’s scope included leading the design from initial concept development through construction document preparation, and construction phase services. An extensive public process was involved to gather community input and build support for the project. In addition to a hierarchy of trails traversing the site, the project also included numerous nature play areas, enhanced wildlife habitat, several overlooks and rest areas, a nature maze, signage and wayfinding, and a sensory garden. The project was awarded an IEPA 319 Grant and OSLAD Grant.

The project site is bisected by the Skokie River with much of the eastern portion of the project area located within the river’s floodplain and floodway. The plans carefully considered the floodplain and floodway permitting requirements including compensatory storage and “appropriate uses” within the floodway. Hey also prepared a hydroperiod analysis based on a statistical evaluation of the river’s gauge records to determine how frequently and for how long the site was inundated at various elevations. This information helped inform at what elevations to place various plant communities for the best chance of success.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.