District President Creates Committee to Explore Uses for Greene Farm Barn

(Updated Feb. 1, 2019) — Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore has created an ad hoc committee to explore possible public uses for the Greene Farm Barn at Greene Valley Forest Preserve near Naperville and Woodridge.

The committee will recommend the best public use for the Greene Farm Barn that aligns with the District’s mission and master plan goals and objectives. The committee will be tasked with identifying partnerships, funding sources and potential revenues. It will also be asked to include an analysis of costs for development, operations and maintenance.

Cantore is accepting statements of interest and qualifications from community members who would like to be appointed to the committee. Community members can submit their documents electronically to Tony Martinez, Director of Communications & Marketing, at tmartinez@dupageforest.org by Tuesday, Nov. 13.

“As stewards of property all over DuPage County, we’ve learned our best ideas come directly from our residents,” Cantore said. “Hopefully, this committee will include a blend of perspectives and expertise that will craft a wonderful vision for the future of the Greene Farm Barn.”

“Diverse public input will greatly enhance the possibilities for the Greene Farmstead,” said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Mary Lou Wehrli, District 5. “It’s exciting to see the District formalize the process.”

In 2016 the District completed work to stabilize the historic structure until an adaptive re-use of the building and associated funding are identified. Currently, there is no public use of the interior.

The District acquired the Greene Farmstead in 1971 for cultural, educational, historical and recreational activities for the public benefit. In 1988, the District passed an ordinance confirming its commitment to maintain the Greene Farm house, known as Oak Cottage, and barn for public enjoyment. In 2008, a consultant hired by the Board estimated it could cost $4.75 million to construct an adaptive re-use of the barn.

The Greene Farmstead is part of the District’s 1,388-acre Greene Valley Forest Preserve. The preserve features a 190-foot-tall scenic overlook, 12 miles of marked trails, picnic shelters, an off-leash dog area, a model craft area and a youth-group campground. The preserve is home to more than 540 native plant species, making it one of the county’s most botanically diverse sites.

 

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores 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, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

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