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What's going on in Chamberlain Path?

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Chamberlain Path is the artistic greenspace between Village Hall and Commune+Market, offering a pleasant stroll from downtown’s unique shops to entertainment on Generations Drive.

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Construction is currently underway on a new rain garden, which began in October. The garden will improve stormwater management, prevent erosion, and create a natural habitat for wildlife. This beautiful addition is just the beginning! The rain garden marks the start of transforming Chamberlain Path into a lively community hub for residents and visitors.

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The Parks & Recreation Board and Downtown Development Authority are working together to bring this vision to life. We’re excited to share some initial activity ideas below. Don’t worry—public restrooms, parking, natural elements, and art will also be included. Explore the options and vote for your top picks!

we have great ideas for this space
but need your feedback!

potential activities

Before we get to work on designing Chamberlain Path, we want to hear from YOU, our community members. What would you like to experience in this space? We've come up with a variety of activities and we'd like to understand what your priorities are. Please review the activities and then scroll down to share your input!

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share
your
    vision...

  • Where is Chamberlain Path located?
    Chamberlain Path is named after the founder of Three Oaks, Henry Chamberlain, who built the first store in the area in 1854. Chamberlain Path is located between Three Oaks Village Hall at 21 N. Elm Street and the new Commune+Market building at 105 N. Elm Street. It offers a charming stroll from the retail and dining options on Elm Street to the entertainment options on Generations Drive. Chamberlain Path currently has beautiful landscaping, seating options and whimsical art for all to enjoy.
  • Why is Chamberlain Path expanding?
    When the Village of Three Oaks purchased the Village Hall building in 2023, it included a little-used driveway between Village Hall and Chamberlain Path. The Three Oaks Parks & Recreation Board proposed installing a rain garden where the driveway is located to improve stormwater management, prevent erosion, and create a natural habitat for wildlife, while adding beauty and functionality to the space. The Three Oaks Downtown Development Authority saw an opportunity to partner with the P&R Board to further expand on the idea and make Chamberlain Path a lively multi-use park that will enhance the heart of downtown Three Oaks. Located at the center of the village, Chamberlain Path connects key commercial areas, making it an ideal location for both beautification and economic growth.
  • Why is the focus on Chamberlain Path? What about the other parks in Three Oaks?
    Located at the center of the village, Chamberlain Path connects key commercial areas, making it an ideal location for both beautification and economic growth. While Chamberlain Path is expanding, the Parks & Recreation Board has also been active across other parks in Three Oaks. Improvements at Dewey Cannon Park include gazebo repairs, tree protection, and plans for a new restroom facility. The board was busy hand watering and mulching the new plantings at Carver Park this summer to ensure they became established during the hot and dry months of summer. Watkins Park has also been a focus, with a grant application submitted for pickleball courts (which unfortunately was not awarded), and plans for a controlled burn to remove invasive species in the prairie basin at the top of the park.
  • Who is paying for the Chamberlain Path expansion?
    The Village of Three Oaks has already committed funds from the Parks & Recreation budget to cover the installation of the rain garden, which will begin this fall. Moving forward, the Downtown Development Authority and the Parks & Recreation Board are working together to pursue a variety of federal, state, and local grants to fund the broader expansion of Chamberlain Path. The total cost of the expansion is not yet finalized because we are currently gathering input from the community on the types of activities that people most want to see in this space. Once the community’s priorities are clear, we will be able to finalize development plans and determine the overall cost of the project.
  • When will the project be completed?
    The timeline for the Chamberlain Path expansion depends on several factors, including community input, funding availability, and the complexity of the final design. While we are excited to begin with the rain garden installation this fall, the overall project will be completed in phases. This approach allows us to secure funding and address the community's top priorities. As we gather input and refine the design, more specific timelines will become available. Our goal is to ensure the space is thoughtfully developed and enjoyed by the community at each stage.
  • Will the path be open year-round?
    Yes, Chamberlain Path will be open year-round for the community to enjoy. While certain features may be more seasonally focused, such as ice skating in the winter or summer pop-up markets, the path itself will remain accessible throughout the year. We’re also exploring exciting ways to make the space enjoyable in every season, including options like fire rings, igloos, and seasonal activities to ensure there’s always something fun to do, no matter the time of year.
  • Will Chamberlain Path include restrooms?
    Yes, public restrooms will be an essential part of the Chamberlain Path expansion plan. We recognize the importance of accessible facilities for everyone using the space, and restrooms are a key priority for the project. The proposed design includes restrooms that will be easily accessible to the public and conveniently located along the path, enhancing the overall experience for visitors year-round.
  • How can I provide my feedback on what I'd like to see at Chamberlain path?
    We want to hear from you! You can share your feedback in several ways: Attend one of our upcoming community events, such as Trick or Treat on October 26 or Prancer Palooza on December 14, where we’ll have interactive voting at Chamberlain Path. Visit Chamberlain Path and scan the QR code on our on-site signage to access a survey and share your thoughts online. Scan the QR code on the posters distributed in local retailers, restaurants, churches and other establishments. Follow us on social media and participate in the discussions there. Your input is vital in shaping the future of Chamberlain Path, and we’re excited to see what activities and features you’d love to have in this space!
  • What is planned for the expansion of Chamberlain Path?
    The expansion of Chamberlain Path is focused on creating a vibrant space that offers a variety of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round. While we’re still gathering input from the community, potential activities include art workshops, live performances, fitness classes, outdoor movie nights, storytelling, and pop-up markets featuring local entrepreneurs. Seasonal activities such as ice skating and winter gatherings by fire rings are also being considered to ensure the space is active and engaging throughout the year. In addition to these activities, the expansion will include essential amenities like public restrooms, nature elements, and public art installations to enhance the experience for everyone.
  • Who is spearheading the Chamberlain Path project?
    The Chamberlain Path expansion project is being led by a collaborative effort between the Three Oaks Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Three Oaks Parks & Recreation Board (P&R Board). DDA representatives include Maro Chavarry, Jim Dygas, and Thomas Pauly. P&R Board representatives include Ira Johnson, Larry Shawver. Changemaker Studio is also assisting with the project, offering placemaking consulting services for community engagement, marketing, funding, project management and more.
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