CL City Leaders Suggest Decorative Fix for Cement Wall Near Veteran Acres

Crystal Lake leaders have suggested a decorative fix for the new cement wall along Walkup Road near Veteran Acres.

The wall recently was built as part of the ongoing road construction improvement work on Walkup Road. The bare cement surface as been deemed unsightly by some residents and city leaders - particularly since it partially blocks the scenic view of Veteran Acres Park.

However, the city has sent a letter to the McHenry County Division of Transportation suggesting an "engineered stone veneer" surface be added to the wall, said Erik Morimoto, director of engineering and building for the city.

The stone veneer would look similiar to new features installed at the Crystal Lake Plaza along Route 14 and the Del Webb Sun City entrance sign in Huntley, Morimoto said.

In a recent city council meeting, Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley said county officials had been "receptive" to the city leaders' concerns. The county asked for ideas for ways to improve the overall aesthetics of the structure, which borders a newly installed bike path along Walkup Road.

The wall is part of the overall Walkup Road Improvement Project, which involves road widening and resurfacing for approximately six miles on Walkup Road. The project spans Walkup Road from Route 176 north to Bull Valley Road.