November 19, 2025  

City Manager Pamela Reece

As we head into the season of gratitude, I find myself reflecting on all we have to be grateful for in our community. 

I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve you. Our team takes the responsibility of helping our community thrive seriously. We appreciate everyone ... from the residents and neighbors who look out for one another to the children and families filling our parks and programs with laughter. 

Serving Normal - a place where people truly care - is an honor. Our community inspires all of us in government to give our very best. Our team takes pride and care to bring life to every corner of our community. I am especially thankful for:

This week, Council approved a fitness court for Rosa Park Commons with the goal of drawing people outdoors and using the environment to connect with others in a unique, active way. Below, are conceptual images for this amenity which will be a great addition to our community. We're also providing education about birding in Hidden Creek Sanctuary and reminders about best practices for using crosswalks and the Trail. Don’t forget to check out the many save-the-dates! Happy Thanksgiving!

On Nov. 17, Council authorized the Town's participation with National Fitness Campaign (NFC) for the possibility of a Fitness Court Studio at Rosa Parks Commons to provide a year-round, outdoor, accessible unique fitness space.

The Fitness Court Studio costs $285,000. The NFC qualified the Town through a feasibility study and awarded a $60,000 grant. The Nov. 17 Council action allows the Town to seek potential funding sources to offset acquisition and installation costs. 

Above: A conceptual image of the fitness court illustrates the circuit training stations, as well as an area for group classes.  

The Town also applied for a 2026 Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant. OSLAD Grants are typically awarded in the first quarter of the calendar year.

Once OSLAD Grants are awarded, the purchase of the Fitness Court Studio will come
back to Council for approval. Redevelopment of Rosa Parks would begin in late summer 2026 with installation of a playground, shelter and the Fitness Court Studio. Anticipated completion for that timeline is summer 2027. 

At the Nov. 17, Council also:

To learn more, read the Nov. 17 Council Action Reports.

Local birdwatchers consider an elm tree at Hidden Creek Sanctuary to be magical because many insects hatch on its bark, making it a wonderful birdwatching experience.

During fall migration, warblers are particularly fond of the ants marching up and down the trunk.

Can you find the five Tennessee Warblers on the "Magic Elm?" (Hint, there's also on Bay-Breasted Warbler.) 

Above: Warblers seek food within the bark of an elm tree in Hidden Creek Sanctuary. 

On your next visit to Hidden Creek Sanctuary (5.5-acres off Constitution Trail and Sycamore Street), look for the elm tree. See anything magical? Send your photos to the Town of Normal Communications Team. 

Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists share responsibility for using roads and trails safely. 

Solar-powered rapid flashing beacons (RFBs) - bright yellow lights activated by push buttons - are located in Normal at these locations:

RFBs are a tool to make crossings more visible, but they only work when everyone — drivers, cyclists and walkers—shares the responsibility for safety. A few extra seconds of caution can prevent a close call from becoming a tragedy.

Here’s a refresher on how they’re designed to work and how you can keep crossings safe.

Drivers: When the beacon is flashing, slow down and prepare to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. State law requires drivers to yield to anyone in the crosswalk, even if the beacon is not flashing. Watch for others approaching from the opposite direction.

Pedestrians and Cyclists: Push the button to activate the beacon, but don’t step out until you’re sure traffic has stopped in all lanes. Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible—it’s a simple move that saves lives.

The Town urges all to slow down, be aware of surroundings and reduce distractions. 

Above: With a flashing yellow light, this traffic signs warns of bicyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk.  

Above: A sign explaining how to activate the RFB. 

Visit the Town of Normal website for past editions of Normal Now. 

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Your feedback is important. Let us know how we're doing and what you'd like to see in future editions. Email the Communications Team to share ideas. Thank you for being part of our community!