Public invited to share feedback about draft master plan
(April 10, 2024) — The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites the public to share feedback on a conceptual master plan for its Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook aimed at enhancing the center’s amenities and programming to ensure the site continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come.
The survey, which is available on dupageforest.org, follows months of engagement workshops with staff, volunteers, and the public, which focused on key themes, including improving physical and programmatic accessibility at the site; connecting the inside and outside of the estate; and expanding its use to reach a broader audience.
The conceptual plan details various categories for possible use of the building, including community multipurpose spaces, exhibit areas, and offices. Additionally, it identifies specific areas for improvement, such as rehabilitating rooms, enhancing lighting, improving wayfinding and interpretive signage, and upgrading kitchen facilities. Accessibility enhancements, improved functionality, and energy-efficient upgrades are central to the plan.
Other key features of the plan include prioritizing the mansion's use as a museum space while updating rooms with historically accurate furnishings and rotating exhibits. The retreat building would complement mansion programming and house exhibit areas, community spaces, office spaces, and archives. Plans also call for the demolition of the south leg of the retreat building to improve historic views from the mansion to the lake.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, seven education centers, and hundreds of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok pages.
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Contact:
Beth Schirott, Community Relations
630-871-6401 | bschirott@dupageforest.org
630-871-6401 | bschirott@dupageforest.org