Overall view of the Farm (Photo: courtesy of DuPage Press).

WHEATON RECEIVES DONATED LAND

In a world of highrise buildings, apartment complexes and shopping-centers, there are still people who care about open space. Some care enough to take real action to preserve the remaining land for future generations.

Such a person is Miss Paula Jones of Maywood, Illinois, who has recently donated 2.65 acres of farm land to the Wheaton Park District.

The land, willed to her by a relative, contains a large home, two barns, and two small buildings. The estimated value of this gift is $75,000. The home on the site is the second Chicago and Northwestern station built in Wheaton around 1880, and moved to the site in 1910. The area is wooded and lends itself well to outdoor activities. The park has been dedicated as the Harvey H. Cosley Park, named after Miss Jones' relative, to be preserved as a living memorial.

The Wheaton Park District has begun preliminary plans for the development of the park. One of the major plans being considered at this time is a small animal children's farm. Small domestic farm animals and wildlife animals native to the area would be kept at the farm. As much as possible, the animals would be able to roam free around the area. The barns would be restored and used as part of the children's farm. Children would be able to feed and pet the animals, observe the animals at a close range and learn about them. A curator would be on hand to guide and talk with the children.

Site lends itself to a variety of outdoor uses. (Photo: courtesy of DuPage Press)

Other possible uses include day camp areas and/or overnight camp sites for Scouts, and 4-H groups. The Wheaton Park District is also considering restoration of part of the home to the original train station motif. Period furnishings would be used to create the original atmosphere. Miss Jones donated approximately $1,800.00 in furniture and farm items, and local citizens have been encouraged to make antiques available for use in the museum. The Park District has already received calls from citizens interested and willing to help.

Miss Jones presented the deed to the land at the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Miss Jones stated that she had given the land to the Park District because she wanted it to

Illinois Parks and Recreation 14 March/April, 1974

remain open space and not be sold for sub-division or highrise apartments. The deed was symbolically presented to three children representing Wheaton's youth. It was for them and their future use that Miss Jones dedicated the land and now it is up to us—the Wheaton Park District, Commissioners, staff and citizenry to develop and maintain this living memorial. The Board of Commissioners, staff and citizens accept this challenge and thank Miss Jones for her concern for our environment and the future of open space.

Overall view of the farm. (Photo: courtesy of DuPage Press)

Illinois Parks and Recreation 15 March/April, 1974