Berm under way at tree-stripped park

Removing diseased elms eliminated Route 41 screen

GURNEE -- Construction of a berm is under way at Chittenden Park, Gurnee Park District officials said Friday.

Jeff Reinhard, superintendent of parks, said the berm along the east side of the park at Grandville Avenue and Estes Street will provide protection from Route 41.

Reinhard said the project was proposed earlier this year after several American elms were infected with Dutch Elm disease, a fungal disease that is spread by the elm beetle. The disease killed 75 percent of the trees in that area.

The park district then discovered that 25 percent of the trees acquired the disease and a decision was made to remove all elm trees from park property.

Village ordinance prohibits dead or dying trees from occupying space near houses, he said.

However, removing the trees exposed the neighborhood to the noise, dirt, debris and other activity related to replacement of the Route 41 bridge and ramps at Grand Avenue.

"The trees not only created an aesthetic backdrop for the area, but it was a natural shield from all the construction," said park district spokesperson Jennifer Gilbert.

Planning for a berm began in September and was approved a few weeks later by the village and state.

Officials said the berm will include trees, wildflowers and a fence. Dirt for the project was donated by a Wadsworth contractor.

Reinhard said the berm will be completed this winter.