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MEETING AND PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES: The Parks and Recreation Board will
meet in person and physical spacing will be observed. Any individual with a disability requiring a
reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the meeting should contact Director of
Parks and Recreation Ron Malchiodi at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at (708) 442-
7025. Public comments are welcome on any topic related to the business of the Board during
the portion of the meeting devoted to a particular agenda item, or during the period designated
for public comment for non-agenda items. Individuals who wish to comment must be recognized
by the Board Chairperson and then speak at the podium, beginning by identifying themselves.
VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING
Monday, January 26, 2026
Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, Riverside, IL 60546
6:30 pm
Minutes
I. Call to Order
• 6:31
II. Roll Call
• John McGlennon
• Helen Gallagher
• Veronica Lill
• Colleen Incandela
• Liz Visteen (arrived late 6:50)
Also present: Trustee Jill Mateo, Trustee Elizabeth Kos
III. Approval of Minutes – November 17, 2025
• Motion Board Member Incandela. Second Board Member Gallagher. All
in favor.
IV. Presentations and Public Comment
A.
V. Unfinished and Deferred Business
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A. Zoning Discussion – Final Recommendations: Defer to February meeting.
Director Malchiodi: Johns document everyone’s feedback? Yes.
B. Turtle Park Project – Final Recommendations
Director Malchiodi: Sent out the link from Hitchcock that had playground options that
we want to discuss. Want to start with what is being presented to commissions. Latest
rendering from Hitchcock that encompasses everything the board has talked about
with playground elements and phase 1 and phase 2. Phase 1 is and was always the
playground renovation that includes both natural elements and playground
equipment. Proposing to slightly enlarge both of the playground containers. Originally
only the structure container, but now proposing all 3 containers. Want to flip flop the
structure container and swing container. Doesn’t mean much in the scope of the
project and doesn’t expand the footprint much. Have to see final costs. Have to see if
this board is in favor of enlarging the containers or just replacing like for like. Expanded
area allows for additional elements. Could get a new turtle but also keeping the old
one. As much natural material as what we can use and what isn’t, it will be natural in
appearance. Based on Trustee Marsh-Ozga vision boards and what this board
discussed, phase 2 is a sensory trail with natural elements through the common. That
addresses the number one thing of trails and connectivity and more amenities. This
would address that. If you stand at the playground and look at the common, there is a
natural path. Elements would be near existing tree lines or berms. Neither phase 1 or 2
would have any tree impact. Right now, recommending that the path stay grass.
Ultimate option if it’s an issue is exposed aggregate, pending village board.
Preservation brought up as an option. Other materials can be more slippery or
unstable than turf. Crushed stone is difficult to maintain. Phase 2 is not part of the
state funding. There is pricing in the materials. This is two separate discussions. What is
needed from the board is are you in favor of both phases and, if so, phase 2 will be
drilled down on more. The two packets show totals. First one is for both phases.
$421,000 with $250,000 of funding. That’s before specifics. $321,000 is proposed for
just playground renovation. Still short for playground. Focus is on phase 1 but phase 2
has estimated price. Preservation was supportive of the project. LAC was in favor in
concept. Approved in concept when presented by Trustee Marsh-Ozga. Some
discussion of safety, but other locations that were brought up are prone to flooding.
Safety would be part of design process. Not any closer to the street than other
elements. LAC concerned about signage. Only signage would be small interpretive
signage. Outdoor classroom for our programming and meditative area. Does anyone
have questions or input about phase 2? Trustee Kos: Is the street at the end Bartram?
Assistant Director Siska: Yes. Director Malchiodi: Limited in space for playground
equipment that would span ages, but the path could apply across the board. Would
encompass all elements of design. Another point of discussion is that some elements
can be part of the playground phase 1. We don’t have the ability to get into any
traditional playground equipment in phase 2. Not tied into any specific design for
phase 2 but just some ideas. Chairperson McGlennon: Want parks to have better
connectivity. Already a natural path. Put a couple more points of interest. Mentioned
potentially adding to phase 1. Mostly want to talk about phase 1 and include some of
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those elements in phase 1 before expanding. Director Malchiodi: When Hitchcock
presents, they will be aware of financials, but they may want to do both phases. Board
Member Gallagher: Recall in the playground renovation there is a difference between
2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds. Part of the thinking in phase 1 and phase 2 is that
phase 2 is more of an all ages but we should be able to answer the question about
what ages are being served. Director Malchiodi: Limited in space and who we can focus
on. True tot lot. Expanded ages needs more space. That will be Harrington and Patriots
park, but we can address some of the age use in phase 2. That’s something to task
Hitchcock with the progression of ages. Board Member Gallagher: Also for the
community to appreciate the intent of the re-development of the park. Distinguish
who the primary age is but that its also for the whole community. Talk about who the
audience is. Need to be clear about it. Like the idea that Turtle Park is a tot lot and go
with the best option to achieve that and the path has a different identity. Director
Malchiodi: Going to the different commissions and interfacing the community means
we know what to address. This was already on the radar with Trustee Marsh-Ozga.
Would draw on the disc golf that it was another project that was in an area with no
plans but able to do it respectfully and mindfully. This is another way to provide a path
and amenities in a mindful way. Board Member Lill: Like it. They did a nice job. Some of
the playground equipment is where more discussion is needed. Director Malchiodi: We
don’t have to decide on what vendor. Can pick and choose between vendors for
elements. Conceptual and unfunded, but is there a consensus from the board for
phase 2. Consensus yes. Board Member Gallagher: More of what is in this rendering
than the playground equipment. Director Malchiodi: That was intentional with design.
Natural materials and natural in appearance, but certain expectations with people who
are coming and looking for traditional playground aspects. Some are better than
others. Burke is the most “traditional.” What they did was natural in appearance with
wood slats, slides, climbing rocks, some interpretive and interactive panels. Board
Member Visteen: Of all the slide structures, most fun and favorite. Director Malchiodi:
Second option from Burke. Musical panels, different climbing structure. Chairperson
McGlennon: If we’re talking about this being a tot lot, it’s more than we need and too
much plastic. Board Member Incandela: Have to define “tot lot” as this is more early
elementary. Director Malchiodi: When we say tot lot it’s more the clientele. 2-5 year
old equipment but primary users of Turtle Park are not over 5. Director Malchiodi:
Robinia wood. High density wood. Most natural. A little limited in features. Looks basic
but is natural material. If you wanted to include more playground elements, could do a
climbing material different company but could have swings from them. Board Member
Incandela: How long will it last? Director Malchiodi: Similar time. Board Member Lill:
What’s there is not much different than what we’re looking at. Board Member Visteen:
More chance to innovate is phase 2. Phase 1 is replace. Chairperson McGlennon: Are
other options in between from this company. Board Member Incandela: Does NuToys
customize paneling? Director Malchiodi: Can ask them what options they have. Board
Member Lill: Do we want the traditional playground? Director Malchiodi: Part of the
discussion. They incorporated traditional playground elements. Tasked them with
traditional elements with natural look. They’re operating off traditional elements.
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Board Member Visteen: Like NuToys option 2 also. Trustee Kos: Additional elements
for seating. Chairperson McGlennon: Retaining wall and benches. Board Member
Visteen: Like the climbing structure and balance beam. Has the most attributes to keep
kids. Not sure of cost. Chairperson McGlennon: In the spirit of replacing, this is more
than we need. But like this option. Board Member Incandela: Like the structures but
didn’t love what they proposed. Board Member Gallagher: Start with swings and slides
and what we like. Director Malchiodi: 4 swing opportunities unless you go to a buddy
swing and that takes up two. Do we want max amount of swings or like the unique
design? Down from 4 to 3 but more kids have an opportunity. Chairperson McGlennon:
Talk about using bigger footprint, which would allow for the bigger equipment. Some
of these wouldn’t be options without enlarged footprint. Director Malchiodi:
Traditionally if you’re going to enter, you are going to enter from the North and that
would be your climbing structure. Would also gain real estate. Proposing expanding
sandbox and having tables. Proposing table with stumps. Board Member Gallagher:
From swing point of view, saw all the options but when it leaves 2 swings, some were
different so that’s part of the discussion. Easier to have a conversation about the
swings than the play structure. Harder to wrap head around the structure. Director
Malchiodi: Steps gone through was just replacing with cooler version. Then talked
about the expansion of the climbing structure area. Last option was to enlarge all 3 to
put more elements in the different areas. Cost is a factor, but those are the steps.
Chairperson McGlennon: Could we increase just the sandbox and not the other two?
Trustee Kos: Go back to the survey and see what people wanted. Sense from the
survey was if the replace is like with like, people will be upset. Need to be careful of
taking into account what people said they wanted in the survey. Money is a
consideration but if money is being spent and not getting people what they want is a
bigger problem than spending money and everyone gets what they want. If the
community is behind it, is there an option for fundraising for it? Some conversation
that this is not where to spend the money but also the first one to be done. Board
Member Gallagher: Some of this can be overwhelming, but focus on the future. Look at
what speaks to us. The natural look is appealing but also drawn to the musical piece.
Board Member Incandela: Some elements maybe table for another playground.
Director Malchiodi: What elements does the board want included? For swings, ADA
and regular and what else. Board Member Incandela: Would like to add on with the
bucket swings. ADA for sure, one infant, 2 traditional. Director Malchiodi: Now move to
climbing apparatus. Chairperson McGlennon: Kompan with turtle has more elements.
Board Member Gallagher: Like sensory panels. Should have them somewhere. Board
Member Incandela: Unless an adult is guiding a child, they won’t utilize the panels. In a
playground setting they probably won’t choose to interact with it. May not be valuable
funding and may be taking away from gross and motor. Chairperson McGlennon:
Having a 4 year old, and the music equipment is always broken. Spinning and motor
skills are used but usually 3rd thing used. Phase 2 will give more beyond footprint. May
not be a good fit in this space. Board Member Gallagher: May buy real estate. What
are we looking for in play structure. Director Malchiodi: What’s the happy medium?
Are there any elements you like and don’t? Chairperson McGlennon: Would prefer to
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do the wooden kompan and do the option 1. Board Member Visteen: Burke Option 2
Board Member Incandela: Burke Option 2. Chairperson McGlennon: More bang for the
buck. Director Malchiodi: Any elements from the other Burke that we want? Board
Member Incandela: Doesn’t feel like what we’ve been talking about. Board Member
Lill: Kompan option 2 feels different. Board Member Incandela: Ask how to make it
more budget friendly. Take things out? Board Member Gallagher: More about the
aesthetic impact. Director Malchiodi: Can have this but will get less for your money.
Are we looking specifically at this park? Chairperson McGlennon: Agree on the
structure? Yes. Truck? Yes. Wood swings? Yes. Director Malchiodi: Will get updated
pricing with what we do want. Chairperson McGlennon: Expansion of the sandbox?
Director Malchiodi: If we want to, can add the other elements. But don’t have to.
Board Member Gallagher: Decided against the rendering with the balance. Can see if
the company has something like that. To replace. Like the seating also. That round
table is more in keeping with the vision. Don’t want conventional picnic table. Director
Malchiodi: Would want specific durability of that type of table top. Board Member
Gallagher: How susceptible is this to wear and tear? Chairperson McGlennon: Need to
go back to Hitchcock with several options and improve each of the areas. Director
Malchiodi: Expansion of the two go together. Either going to expand slightly in the
climbing area and keep swings where they are, or expand both and flip. Chairperson
McGlennon: Make a big change in one container, then one to one replacement of the
other two. Board Member Gallagher: $421,000 is phases 1 and 2. $322,000 is just
phase 1 with $250,000 of funding. Something in between the two Kompan options.
Director Malchiodi: Basic costs on the pricing, but it changes based on what we choose.
Board Member Gallagher: With their expertise, what is their feedback on the Kompan
robinia? Would like to know from they’re experience, what do they have to tell us
about their durability and maintenance? Price wise it’s not that different. Director
Malchiodi: Other considerations? Trustee Mateo: Grant money from the state needs to
be sent by a certain time. Director Malchiodi: Talked to Jessica. Allocated, but not
released. There is leeway between when it’s released and when it needs to be
completed. If it spills into Spring 2027 since the money wasn’t released, that would be
a consideration. If the money was in hand, they would want it completed this year but
depends on the release. Chairperson McGlennon: Over budget? Director Malchiodi:
Don’t know the final figures until I go back to them, and then that’s a consideration for
the board. Our biggest factor, but doesn’t determine what I present. With D96 Blythe,
with this project being funded, we are ahead of the Berry Dunn timeline of 12-15
years. If Patriots and Harrington need to take more time to plan and construct, that’s a
consideration. Village Board may want to do it all at once with additional funding.
Many options that can take place. Chairperson McGlennon: $72,000 over budget.
Every dollar spent is going over the budget. Director Malchiodi: Never did a true like for
like as that was never part of the discussion. Board Member Incandela: We need to
find a way to make this happen. Director Malchiodi: Going to fluctuate both ways.
Updated pricing on swings and it will go up. Board Member Incandela: A lot included in
the pricing. Will figure it out. Should do it well and right. First project that we’re doing
as part of a 10-15 year master plan. Look at other long term projects and how to defer
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that. On board with phase 1 and 2 of this project.
VI. New Business
A.
VII. Program and Facility Updates
A.
VIII. Director Report
A. Financial Report
B. Operational Report
Director Malchiodi: Megan Siska was promoted to Assistant Director. New
Recreation Supervisor wills start February 2. Gaining full-time employee with
experience, but not losing Elizabeth Nelson-Sifuentes. Moving to the Program
Manager role. Family Skate Friday, January 30. Working with Communications &
Marketing Manager for website update.
C. Maintenance Report
IX. Trustee Report
X. Chair Report
XI. Adjournment
8:34. Motion Board Member Visteen. Board Member Lill Second. All in favor.
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