Thinking about some of the historical, cultural, social and recreational places which thrill her in the area she represents, state Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, decided to learn more about what her constituents value most.
Representing an area of slightly less than 220,000 people — including all or parts of Waukegan, North Chicago, Gurnee, Buffalo Grove, Libertyville and Vernon Hills among her district’s 15 towns — Johnson took a survey and hundreds responded.
The survey’s results recently produced a list of the “30 Wonders of the 30th State Senate District” in northeastern Illinois, giving people in the area and beyond an idea of places they might want to visit or encourage them to continue to enjoy.
Johnson said she frequently asks colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly what are the great things about their districts. She is surprised when they mention one or two, when she can think of many in her district. She decided to “accentuate” the “wonders” of the 30th District.
“This district has so much to offer, from the beauty of its parks to its neighboring businesses,” she said. “Each wonder adds value to our community, and it’s time we acknowledge (it) in a way that will engage and amplify the district.”
Dividing the wonders into four categories — historical; cultural and arts; social, recreation and parks; as well as parks and nature — Johnson said they were not ranked. Some were chosen for their physical beauty, while others as community hubs.
As the idea to establish the list percolated with Johnson and her staff, she said they decided to put a survey on the senator’s official website, as well as advertise it on social media and in the electronic newsletter sent to constituents. It got new people involved, she said.
“It was a new way to engage the community,” Johnson said. “Not everyone attends town halls or coffees. We wanted to get more people involved with government.”
Along with 29 specific wonders, all of the public libraries in the district were a collective wonder. Johnson said along with lending books and other materials, they are community gathering places offering, “calm, safe spaces for community members of all ages,” according to the program brochure.
After all the online voting was complete, Johnson said each member of her staff cast a ballot as well. The balloting was tabulated, and the 30 wonders determined.
Encompassing 36% of the district, 14 of the 30 wonders were in Waukegan, from a symbol of the city’s industrial past, the Johnson Outboard Marine water tower since demolished, to the space-age future, the sculpture of famed author Ray Bradbury atop a spaceship.
Among the 14 Waukegan spots selected, seven are Waukegan Park District facilities, ranging from the Waukegan History Museum to the Carnegie Library — the future home of the history museum — to the Field House Sports Fitness and Aquatics Center.
“Waukegan is one of the most engaged communities in my district,” Johnson said. “There are strong community organizations. The great thing about Waukegan is they are fully engaged.”
Park District Executive Director Jay Lerner said in an email the span of the selection shows the unique breadth of the recreational offerings in Waukegan — from parks, to museums, to fitness centers offering, “health, wellness and enjoyment.”
“Having seven of our parks and facilities among (those selected) stands as a testament to our commitment to creating spaces that inspire, connect and uplift our community,” Lerner said.
Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor said in an email she was thrilled so many Waukegan places made the list. She realizes the recognition came from a grassroots effort by a lot of community members.
“I appreciate all of the support of those that nominated and voted for Waukegan sites,” Taylor said. “I would like to thank Sen. Johnson for recognizing our landmarks and for highlighting these amazing parts of our community.”
Other sites recognized in Waukegan are the Washington Park Veterans Memorial Plaza, the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, the Genesee Theatre, Genesee Street (Main Street Waukegan), Corrine J. Rose Park, Trinity AME Church, the Waukegan Beach, Bowen Park, and the Waukegan Harbor and Marina.
Other towns with multiple recognitions are Vernon Hills with six, North Chicago with three and Mundelein with two. Recognized in Vernon Hills are the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex, the Hawthorn Mall, the Sullivan Community Center, Century Park and the Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater.
Selected in North Chicago are the North Chicago Veterans Memorial, the Greenbelt Forest Preserve and the Foss Park Skateboard Park. Chosen in Mundelein are the Mundelein Heritage Museum and Diamond Lake Beach.
Other selections are the Buffalo Grove Park District Community Arts Center, the Wheeling Park Performing Pavilion, Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa and the Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville.
