Safety Changes at Lake Arlington Expected to be Complete This Week

Recent changes at Lake Arlington have included directional signs, cross walk markings and poles near the pathway which have caused confusion among users over the last couple of weeks. 

Anita Pacheco, superintendent of marketing and communications for the Arlington Heights Park District, stated in an email to Arlington Heights Patch that the changes are expected to be complete by the end of July 31. The park district then plans to unleash a comprehensive awareness program in the name of safety, Pacheco said. 

"Part of the Park District's efforts to support the new pathway markings and directional sign changes at Lake Arlington will be to have staff at Lake Arlington patrol the pathway on bicycle," Pacheco stated in the email. 

Full details regarding the changes will be provided on the Arlington Heights Park District website, in the seasonal program guide and through email communications to subscribers, in addition to a press release to the media, Pacheco stated.

The park district, Pacheco said, will have personnel at Lake Arlington in early August to continue to promote awareness for users.

The safety changes resulted from a fatal incident that involved a collision between a young person on a bicycle and 78-year-old Arlington Heights resident Barbara Pagano on June 18. Pagano passed away from her injuries on July 3. 

According to the Arlington Heights Park District website, interim safety changes will include:

• Restrict bicycle and other wheeled use to the outside lane of the path and require travel only in a counter clockwise direction everyday. This would allow for right hand turns as these users enter the path from all points.
• Designate the inside lane of path for walkers only (would allow strollers and wheelchairs) who would always travel in a clockwise direction.

In light of the changes, opinions from the public have been strong. 

A Letter to the Editor from resident Tim McDonald expressed concerns that the changes might cause more safety hazards, and that he now fears for his own safety while using the pathway. 

Resident Rob Greenberg applauded the park district for acting quickly after Pagano's death, and believes the changes are needed. He added that community feedback is key for the right plan to be implemented. 

Residents are invited to share their observations, comments and concerns with the Arlington Heights Park District through their website. 

In October, the park district plans to review more permanent modifications to the pathway, according to the website, during the capital budget planning process. 

For more information, visit the Arlington Heights Park District website.