From the City Manager's Desk: |
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City Manager Pamela Reece
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| Happy (soon-to-be) Thanksgiving! |
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.
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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:
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The Town's dedicated employees whose professionalism and heart keep this community moving every single day.
- The many community partners who strengthen our work and help us build a safer, more vibrant and more resilient community together.
- The Normal Town Council whose leadership and thoughtful guidance shape our priorities and ensure we stay focused on serving you well.
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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!
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Sweat Meets Sunshine: Fitness Court a Possibility at Rosa Park Commons |
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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.
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| Above: A conceptual image of the fitness court illustrates the circuit training stations, as well as an area for group classes.
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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.
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Additional Council Actions |
At the Nov. 17, Council also:
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Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Bloomington which supports critical training of law enforcement personnel for the Normal Police Department through use of the Police Shooting Range Facility.
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Rescinded a previously approved contract for chemicals required to supply safe drinking water to the community. Upon receiving the contract, the previously selected bidder asked for exceptions that Town staff does not support. The Council approved a contract with the next lowest bidder to ensure chemicals will be delivered timely, ensuring no disruption in water treatment or quality.
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Granted permission to close a portion of U.S. Highway 51 for the Annual Jaycees Holiday Parade from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
- Authorized the preparation of the 2025 Property Tax Levy for FY2026-27. The proposed property tax levy is $15,707,210, including $4,370,000 for the Normal Public Library, a 4.78% increase over the 2024 levy of $14,990,200.
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Do you know about this "magic" elm tree? |
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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.)
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Above: Warblers seek food within the bark of an elm tree in Hidden Creek Sanctuary.
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| - Nov. 27 & 28: Thanksgiving Holiday
- Dec. 24 (at noon): Christmas Eve
- Dec. 25: Christmas Day
- Dec. 26: Floating Holiday
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Children's Discovery Museum Celebrates Members |
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Share the road, not the risk: |
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:
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- Vernon Avenue (both near the Illinois Art Station and west of Jeffrey Alans)
- Hershey Avenue (across from Shepard Park)
- Henry Street
- West College Avenue and Kingsley Drive
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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.
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The Town urges all to slow down, be aware of surroundings and reduce distractions.
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| Above: With a flashing yellow light, this traffic signs warns of bicyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk.
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Above: A sign explaining how to activate the RFB.
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