Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan and Executive Summary

1. oak forest
heritage preserve
master plan & vision
executive summary
July 2012
Prepared for:
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Cook County Real Estate Management Division
Prepared by:
Conservation Design Forum
with:
Bluestone + Associates
Environmental Design International
Midwest Archaeological Research Services, Inc.
Primera Engineers

2. Residents enjoy watermelon outside the Oak Forest Hospital.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan

3. executive
summary
Project Summary & Purpose Planning Process
The Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan is a The master planning process began in the fall of 2011,
comprehensive vision for the future development, when a team of consultants led by Conservation Design
public use, and long-term management of the Oak Forum, Inc. (CDF) was retained to assist the FPDCC
Forest Heritage Preserve. The plan is intended to help and Cook County in the analysis and planning of the
guide circulation and access improvements, ecological Oak Forest Heritage Preserve. Acquired in 2010 by the
and site restoration, memorialization of sacred space, FPDCC, the property warranted detailed investigation
implementation of recreational amenities, and the and documentation of the site’s ecological and cultural
preservation and interpretation of the rich natural and features, as well as the rich history of human activity
cultural history of the Preserve and adjacent properties. and interaction over many millennia. These discoveries
The plan addresses four parcels: the Forest Preserve helped guide the development of the Master Plan. The
District of Cook County (FPDCC) Parcel, and three team CDF assembled included experts in all aspects
others immediately adjacent to the Preserve—the of naturally and culturally sustainable planning
Corner Parcel, the Oak Forest Health Center (OFHC), practice: Conservation Design Forum, Inc. (Project
and the Cicero Parcel, all owned by Cook County. Lead, Landscape Architecture, Planning), Bluestone
+ Associates (Interpretive Planning), Environmental
All uses and development proposed for the Oak Forest Design International (Environmental Assessment),
Heritage Preserve in this Master Plan are consistent Midwest Archaeological Research Services, Inc.
with the mission of the Forest Preserve District of Cook (Cultural Resources), and Primera Engineers
County…to restore, restock, protect and preserve the (Engineering).
natural forests and such lands together with their flora
Cook County
Corner Parcel
and fauna, as nearly as may be, in their natural state and 46.9 acres
condition, for the purpose of the education, pleasure, and
recreation of the public…
Oak Forest Forest Preserve District
Health Center of Cook County Parcel
81.7 acres 176.3 acres
Future uses will also recognize ecosystem health,
preservation of historic resources, protection and
interpretation, and the partnership with the Oak Forest
Health Center. Cook County
Cicero Parcel
23.9 acres
project parcel map
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan 1

4. executive summary
Burr Oak Elizabeth A.
Woods Conkey
Forest
Turtlehead Rubio Woods
Lake Forest
Preserve Bachelor
Grove Woods
143rd St
to downtown
Midlothian Chicago
43 294
Sundrop Prairie
Nature Preserve
Kerkstra Middle
Jack Hille
Middle
d
Central Park
an
Isl
Oak Forest High Elementary
ck
Breman Paintbrush Prairie
Ro
Foster Elementary
ra
Community Nature Preserve
et
St. Damien
M
Elementary
83 High
Gensburg-Markham
Scarlet Oak Elementary Oak Forest Midlothian Prairie Preserve
Meadows
Oak Forest McClaughery
Metra W. 159th St School
6
Markham
Nelson
Woods
St. Gerard Majella
Fieldcrest
St. Mihiel Elementary Markham Park Elementary
Tinley
Reservation
Park DePaul
University
Morton Gingerwood
Elementary
57
Arbor Park
Middle
50
175th St
Yankee
Woods Country
Club Hills
80 Legend
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve
Forest Preserve District of Cook County properties
The Nature Conservancy prairies
school
university
Metra station
park trails
South Green trail connection
Belt Forest
Cook County
Will County
county line
0’ 1,000’ 2,000’ 4,000’ 6,000’
north
regional context map
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5. executive summary
Pogie Lake
ancient
Project Goals past
The geologic formation of the site and
region;
The Master Plan goals are to:
• Restore the ecological landscape, improve surface Thousands of years of nomadic
water management, and provide new recreation hunting and foraging;
improvements consistent with the FPDCC’s More recent Native American
mission; settlement and seasonal agriculture;
• Showcase the rich cultural history of the site;
Modern industrialized agriculture
• Identify opportunities for continued connections and the development of mechanized
between the Oak Forest Health Center and farming practices that largely relied on
the Forest Preserve District properties, while monocultures (growing just one type
addressing the security needs of both; and of crop);
• Explore connections to the larger community. The development of the Oak Forest
Poor Farm and Infirmary;
Telling the Story The interment of tens of thousands of
The Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is a site with a complex indigents from the Poor Farm and the
and interconnected set of stories of human history, County;
archaeology, geology, ecology and natural history The development and progression of
that span millennia. The property has seen changes in the Oak Forest Health Center; and
occupancy and use that have affected the health of those
sustainable The next chapter of use as the Master
living on it and upon the land itself. The following is a future
generalized chronology of the evolution of use: Plan vision is realized.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan 3

6. executive summary
Site Analysis - Key Findings Historic Vegetation
Cultural & Geological Context Vegetation reported in the area of the Oak Forest
Native American Settlement Heritage Preserve included oak savanna, oak-hickory
After the last retreat of the Wisconsin Glacier forest, mesic and wet prairie, sedge meadow and pond
approximately 14,000 years ago, the land area that systems. With the exception of wood harvesting, seeding,
includes the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve has been a and mowing, it is possible that some areas of the parcel
place of significance. This is due largely to its location have been relatively undisturbed since the early surveyor
at the transition between a morainal ridge left behind reports, and the oak savanna in the northwest corner
by the retreating glacier and the flat, open land of the of the Oak Forest site may be a remnant of the original
Chicago Lake Plain, approximately 25-30 feet below. woodland described by land surveys in 1822.
The elevation of the moraine above the plains offered
Native American inhabitants refuge from the heat
and humidity of low-lying swamps, views of sweeping
prairie fires and the oncoming enemy, and ready
access to nearby woodlands for harvesting materials
for housing and sustenance. In this position, the
recessional edge also provided the best trail location for
travel and trading. The value of this location to Native
American culture was confirmed in 1958, when an
archeological investigation uncovered eight houses and
mapped an entire Native American village—the first
in northeastern Illinois. The site appears to have been oak savanna at the Corner Parcel
occupied approximately around 1680.
Legend
property boundaries
0’ 200’ 400’ 800’ 1200’
north
1929 USGS topography
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7. executive summary
89
d
oa
ilr
90
ra
Map of the Buildings and
80 W. 159th Street
Grounds of the Cook
Pulaski Road
87
67 77 County Infirmary,
88 70 Tuberculosis Hospital
68 and Farm
84 64 65 66
Oak Forest Illinois
85 63 69
62 93 1916
71 72 94 61 82
60
59 83 79
57
58
56 55
74
73
11
6 7 10 54
5 8 15
9 14 16 92
3 1
2 24
4 12 18 20 23
Legend
81 91
13 17 19 26 buildings
21 22
33 28 27 lake
32 29 78
S. Cicero Avenue
34 25 stream
30 property boundaries
35
31 0’ 100’ 200’ 400’ 600’
37
north
38 36
40
1. Administration Bldg. 15. Wards “F” 1,2,3&4 27. Smoke Stack 41. 55. 69. Antiseptic Tanks 83. Utilety House [sic]
75 2. Receiving Bldg. 16. Wards “G” 1,2,3&4 28. Laundry 42. 56. Poultry Houses 70. Lodgehouse & Gate 84. Cow Barns
39 3. Genl. Hospital 17. Genl. Kitchen 29. Storeroom 43. 57. & Yards 71. Cement & Floral Piece 85. Fruit Orchard
49 41 44 4. Morgue 18. Bakery 30. Wards “K” 1,2,3&4 44. 58. Frame Farm Cottage 72. Tennis Court 86. Parking Station
47 5. T.B. Nurses Home 19. Gen. Bath & 31. Greenhouse 45. T.B. Cottage
59. Brick Farm Cottage 73. Baseball Grounds 87. General Store
50 42 45 6. Genl. Supt Cottage Toilet Room 32. Catholic Chapel 46. Colony 60. Stables 74. Lawn Tool Houses 88. General Store
48 7. Infirmary Nurses Home 20. Workshop Bldg. 33. Wards “A” 1,2,3&4 47. 61. 75. Pumping Station 89. Railroad Station
43 Frame Storehouses
46 8. Asst. Supt. Cottage and Mechan 34. Wards “B” 1,2,3&4 48. 62. 76. Catholic Cemetery 90. Eastern Casket Co.
9. Wards “C” 1,2,3&4 21. Water Tower 35. Aged Couples Home 49. 63. 77. County Cemetery 91. Lake
51 Hog Houses
53 10. Wards “D” 1,2,3&4 22. Power House 36. T.B. Tent Colony 50. 64. 78. County Cemetery 92. Rabits Island [sic]
52 37. T.B. Office Bldg. 65.
and Yards
11. Wards “L” 1,2,3&4 23. Paint Shop 51. School House 79. Farm House 93. Canning Plant
12. Protestant Chapel 24. Rag House 38. T.B. Hospital Bldg. 52. Duty Tent 66. Tool House 80. Franciscan Fath. Residence 94. Grape Arbor
13. Genl. Dining Room 25. Crematory 39. New T.B. Hospital 53. Duty Tent 67. Hog Hospital 81. Cistern
76 14. Wards “E” 1,2,3&4 26. Oil House 40. T.B. Dining Hall 54. Poultry Houses & Yards 68. Hog Colony 82. Smoke House
building and grounds map from 1916
A History of Healing Site Conditions
In 1910, what was to later become Oak Forest Hospital Ecological Inventory
and today’s Oak Forest Health Center, opened its doors The current ecological conditions at the Preserve include
as the Cook County Work Farm/Oak Forest Infirmary, a six general plant communities:
poor farm and home for the county’s indigent population.
Mowed lawn: areas of turf grasses that are maintained
The location of this institution, 22 miles from Chicago,
by regular mowing.
served as a major stimulus for the 20th century growth
of the Oak Forest community. In addition to the Poor Oak savanna with lawn: rolling, timbered landscape
Farm, the Oak Forest Infirmary property also served as that include mature oaks.
a tuberculosis treatment center and burial site for the Bur oak hillside: a small, east-facing slope in the Cicero
county’s indigent and many of those who died at Oak Parcel that has Bur Oak as the dominate canopy tree, and
Forest Hospital. Written records of these burials have weedy shrubs in the sub-canopy.
been preserved by Cook County, beginning March 4,
Old field: open fields dominated by a mixture of Eurasian
1911, and continuing through November 17, 1971.
grasses and forbs, plus various native species.
Overgrown thicket: disturbed areas comprised primarily
of unassociated woody growth.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan 5

8. executive summary
Wetlands: seven delineated wetland areas, most of
marginal to poor quality. Wetland Five contains open
water (Pogie Lake) and its associated drainage channels.
As part of a largely urbanized watershed, the water levels
in Pogie Lake fluctuate with rainfall runoff, and the site
experiences flooding. The hydrology of the Pogie Lake
aquatic complex is still remarkably stable given the
largely urbanized condition of the upstream watershed
area and drainage channels directing stormwater into
the system.
Cultural & Archaeological Findings
During the 2011 Phase 1 Cultural Assessment, a
reconnaissance survey conducted on the FPDCC and
Corner Parcels as part of the background investigation tool making debris found at the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve
for this Master Plan, Midwest Archaeological Research
Services, Inc. employed shovel probes as a means of
surveying the land. A total of 411 prehistoric artifacts
and 40 historic artifacts were recovered during the
survey. All of the prehistoric artifacts are stone, either
tools or the by-products of stone tool manufacture and/
or re-sharpening. Nine new sites recorded with the
Illinois State Museum and the increased boundaries for
two of the previously recorded sites. These findings, in
conjunction with the findings from the 1958 and 1979
excavations help to establish this site and a unique and
valuable archaeological site.
bur oak hillside
The Vision
The Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan is
intended to guide the evolution of the property from
an inaccessible, environmentally disturbed site with a
hidden past, into a preserve that is beautiful, culturally
and biologically rich, accessible, and educational. The
plan includes ecological, cultural, recreational, and
interpretive elements that uncover the site’s rich history,
and help to define a new future—one in which the
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is a valued, well-utilized
amenity embraced by the community of Oak Forest,
Cook County, and the region.
old field
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9. 7
executive summary
alternate pedestrian crossing
farmsted pedestrian and
wildlife crossing
Pulaski Road
W. 159th Street
2. health center
complex
1. oak
savanna
4. poor
farm
5. historic
3. visitor cemetery
center
museum / 8. oak
visitor center forest site
and restroom
7. ongoing
upgraded parking archeology
sidewalk (40 cars)
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan
temporary 6. wetlands relocate, stabilize, and
restroom combine channel
Oak Forest temporary
Health Center 11. restoration:
parking water/hydrology
(12 cars)
S. Cicero Avenue
existing dock
existing gazebo
10. restoration: 9. geology
vegetation & & soils
parking
biodiversity (24 cars)
57
e
new signal at ut
intersection Ro
proposed property Fieldcrest Park
easement parking lot Legend
native prairie primary path (12’ gravel)
native woodland secondary path (8’ gravel)
native oak savanna tertiary path (3’ mowed or gravel)
low profile prairie boardwalk
rainwater enhancement area fence
wetland path intersection treatment
pond resting spot/overlook
major green screening interpretation
minor green screening wayfinding
existing road “You Are Here” signs
new road
master site plan

10. executive summary
Infrastructure Improvements
Vehicular Access A number of secondary and tertiary paths offer a more
Vehicles will access the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve intimate, slower-paced pedestrian experience and
through the existing entrance drive off of 159th Street provide access to the delineated character zones, cultural
(currently used for the Oak Forest Health Center) with amenities, and interpretation.
separated, secure entrances for the OFHC and FPDCC
activities. Adjacent Connections
The primary path connects the two adjacent Forest
Trails Preserves, Midlothian Meadows and St. Mihiel
A system of trails will loop through the FPDCC parcel Reservation, in an effort to join these fragmented open
and around the OFHC campus. The loop path around spaces. A pedestrian and wildlife crossing over 159th
the OFHC will connect to the Cicero Avenue sidewalk, Street could potentially be built on the northeast side of
which will be widened to allow bicycles and pedestrians the FPDCC Parcel to allow for a safe, grade-separated
to safely pass. The trail loop around the FPDCC parcel crossing over 159th Street for people, bicycles, and
will follow the rolling topography of the site, passing (potentially) the many wildlife species that live here.
through each type of plant community. A connection Additionally, a new traffic signal is suggested for the
between this path and the Fieldcrest neighborhood 163rd Street and Cicero Avenue intersection to provide
is proposed through two southward spurs: one to a connection from the Preserve site to the St. Mihiel
the parking lot at Fieldcrest Park, and the second at Reservation and the Twin Lakes.
Fieldcrest Elementary School.
typical primary path section
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11. executive summary
The Corner Parcel could be restored to an oak savanna, an ecosystem that dominated this area before European settlement.
Structures In addition to the restoration areas, this plan envisions
The proposed Visitor Center would ideally re-use an the creation of bioinfiltration and other water absorptive
existing building to house an interpretive museum. A landscapes elements to help recreate natural hydrology
separate restroom could also be installed near the main for stormwater treatment. Vegetative screens along
entrance of the Preserve, as seen on the Master Plan. the edges of the site help ensure separation between
conflicting uses and serve as noise and visual buffers
Landscape Restoration between the Preserve and adjacent properties.
In order to achieve a natural landscape that is in
harmony with the site, virtually the entire property will Cultural Landscapes
need to be re-established with native plant ecosystems While the vast majority of the site is proposed to be
appropriate for the climate, geology, hydrology, and preserved and restored as natural/native landscape,
other conditions of the overall habitat. The Oak Forest some “feature areas” are planned as cultural landscapes,
Heritage Preserve Master Plan has identified five general using adapted, compatible plant species.
plant community types that would be appropriate to
establish or reestablish on site, based on initial field Farmstead: The historic Poor Farm will be “restored”
observations of existing conditions, historic cultural to create the feeling and aesthetic of the working farm
use, and intended use of the land. The communities are of the site’s past. The landscape could consist of prairie
native prairie, native woodland, native oak savanna, grasses and perennials, an ornamental orchard, and
rainwater enhancement areas, and wetland. vegetable and herb plots that could become an active
farming or community gardening practice associated
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan 9

12. executive summary
A community garden in the Corner Parcel farmstead utilizes the remaining cement infrastructure from historic livestock pens.
with the OFHC’s horticultural therapy program or a Pogie Lake: Restoring the shoreline of Pogie Lake will
local gardening organization. help to highlight the wildlife that is already present, draw
more species to the site, and ensure the long term health
Historic Cemetery: Although the physical of this ecologically and culturally significant feature.
boundaries and extent of burials within the historic
cemetery on site are unclear, the Master Plan sets aside Interpretive Plan
a cemetery space in the general location of the historic An essential aspect of this Master Plan is the integration
burials as a place for reflection and memorial within of access, controlled views, artwork, landscape, and
the Preserve. The landscape treatment in the cemetery educational and interactive features into the landscape.
will be characterized by a grid of mass plantings of low The addition of informational signage, interpretive
profile prairie grass species. elements, and wayfinding helps to provide an interesting
and rewarding experience for visitors.
Oak Forest Site: The Native American Oak Forest
site, perhaps the most culturally significant place on In total there are eleven distinct locations or stops at
the property, should stand apart as a unique part of the which the history and natural history of the site could
Preserve. The 17th century Native American dwellings be interpreted to the visiting public. These stops are
that were uncovered during archaeological excavations located throughout the combined properties on site and
in 1958 and 1979 could be marked on the ground using could consist of a combination of interpretive signage,
stones or temporarily recreated 3-dimensionally using wayfinding, sculpture, and other storytelling tools. Stop
invasive trees removed from the site during restoration. would include information on the oak savanna, health
10 Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan

13. executive summary
A grid of gravel paths planted with low-profile prairie grasses reflect the layout of unmarked burial plots beneath.
A full-scale, three-dimensional mammoth sculpture at Hidden Oaks Nature Center is a unique interpretive piece.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan 11

14. executive summary
center complex, Poor Farm, historic cemetery, wetlands, The cost of the initial phases of the improvements is
archaeological history, Native American settlement, estimated at $2.5 to 3.9 million and would be funded
geology and soils, and ecological restoration. from existing FPDCC Capital Funds.
Project Phasing All further site work and improvements would depend
The Master Plan for the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve on securing funding and potential partners; these “future
presents a comprehensive, ecologically, and culturally phases” would include the creation of feature areas like
sustainable transformation for the site that will occur the cemetery and farmstead, the visitor’s center, final
over many years. The first phases focus on making the interpretive stations, permanent parking areas, entrance
Preserve accessible to public, creating safe vehicular and drive and traffic circle, traffic signal at Cicero and 163rd
pedestrian access to the Preserve, and the restoration Street, and an above-grade pedestrian crossing over
and enhancement of the hydrology and landscape: 159th Street. It is recommended to form a partnership
committee to jointly pursue funding for future phases,
Phase 1a would include trail extensions to the Field- and begin identifying potential funding sources for the
crest subdivision, a temporary parking area near the future phases immediately.
existing gazebo or a small new lot off the OFHC drive,
wayfinding, and “under construction” signage. Public Funding Strategies
access could be allowed as early as Fall of 2012. There are a number of local, state, and federal agencies
Estimated costs: $42,000 – $80,000 that promote and support many of the strategies and
tactics outlined in the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve
Phase 1b would begin in Spring 2013 with the first Master Plan. These agencies offer grants, tax incentives,
phase of site improvements, including the initial land- and other forms of financial incentives for projects such
scape restoration, planting in the cemetery, vegetative as this to lead the way in implementing and applying
screening, hydrological improvements, pedestrian sustainable practices. Current programs and funding
paths, and wayfinding and interpretive stops. sources that may be applicable to the Oak Forest
Estimated costs: $1.8 - $2.7 million Heritage Preserve include the USEPA Section 319
Program, Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program
Phase 1c initiates the improvements on Cook County for Stormwater Management, Open Space Land
properties: upgrading the Cicero Avenue sidewalk, Acquisition Development Program, and the Land and
restoration in the Corner Parcel, stormwater treatment Water Conservation Fund.
area establishment, additional signage, and several
interpretive stops. The Master Plan includes a variety of different
programming opportunities that, in addition to
Estimated costs: $580,000 - $1 million
ecological conservation and restoration, include health
and wellness, outdoor recreation, cultural heritage,
Phase 1d begins initial improvements to the Oak For-
political history, and education. Private foundations and
est Health Center Campus, such as a path around the
corporate sponsors that focus on these issues could be
health center, landscape restoration, stormwater treat-
approached for financial support.
ment area establishment, and additional temporary
wayfinding signage.
Estimated costs: $86,900 – 138,000
12 Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan

15. 13
executive summary
farmsted
Pulaski Road
W. 159th Street
cemetery
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Master Plan
upgraded
sidewalk
temporary
restroom
temporary
parking
Oak Forest (12 cars)
Heath Center
existing dock
S. Cicero Avenue
existing gazebo
parking
(24 cars)
proposed property
Fieldcrest Park Legend
easement
parking lot native prairie major green screening
native woodland minor green screening
57
7
native oak savanna existing road e
ut
u
Ro
R
cemetery planting primary path (12’ gravel)
stormwater treatment area secondary path (8’ gravel)
wetland boardwalk
pond entrance signage
phases 1a - 1d

16. oak forest executive
summary
heritage preserve July 2012
master plan & vision
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Cook County Real Estate Management Division