The Donald P. Klein Award
The Donald P. Klein Award was created in May 2010 to honor the first and long-time Executive Director of BACOG, Donald Patrick Klein, who served from 1970 to 2000. 
When Klein passed away in December 2009, the Donald P. Klein award was established to honor him and to recognize the excellent work currently being done by the villages and townships that further BACOG’s goals. These projects protect open space and natural areas, for example, or create innovative community planning, or enhance collaboration among governments. These are the projects that carry on the legacy of BACOG and contribute to the character and quality of the region.
2024 Recipient
Village of Deer Park
for
“Chapel Hill Pond Natural Restoration Project”
On October 22nd, BACOG Executive Board Vice Chairman Andy Hay presented the Village of Deer Park with the 2024 Donald P. Klein award for their “Chapel Hill Pond Natural Restoration Project.” The project included restoring pond shorelines, adjacent woodland, and a swale that runs from a nearby neighborhood park to the pond. It culminated in a volunteer workday, “Plant Chapel Hill,” held on September 16, 2023, where 27 enthusiastic volunteers and sponsors installed over 1000 plugs of 25 native plant species and 16 shrubs to begin the process of renewal. Benefits of the project include:
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Improved appearance and recreational access for park users and visitors
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Community outreach and engagement in a volunteer, nature-based project
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Improved infiltration, processing, and conveyance of storm water
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Improved water quality
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Reduced erosion and release of sediments into Cuba Marsh, a Lake County Forest Preserve
- Improve habitat and a corridor for pollinators and other beneficial wildlife
The Judging Committee for this year’s award consisted of representatives from three organizations that are recognized for their own excellence in planning, environmental protection, and advocacy (Erin Aleman, Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Jennifer Walling, Executive Director, Illinois Environmental Council, and Justin Williams, Senior Manager, Metropolitan Planning Council). The Committee also included three representatives of BACOG member communities: Joann Lee, Chair, Village of Barrington Plan Commission, Michael McCombie, Chairman, Village of South Barrington Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, and Jeff Williams, Chairman, Village of Lake Barrington Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Judging Committee was particularly impressed with the coalition building required for this project and its far-reaching impact, with members noting: “It’s exciting to see not only the community involvement but the investment in a public resource that will benefit many visitors over the years.” “The project represents a collaborative effort among various partners and participants. The team worked together to raise funds, engage community volunteers, and closely monitor progress at every stage. The number of volunteers who showed up for the seed planting is both impressive and inspiring. The enhanced project will benefit not only the immediate neighbors but also the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve, and all its visitors, including those who drive by.”
This year, honorable mention was also granted to Barrington Township for their “College Street Flooding Solutions Project.”
History of Awards
- Village of Tower Lakes, Raingarden and Bioswale, October 2019
- Village of South Barrington, Conservancy 2.0 Project, November 2017
- Village of Barrington, The Barrington White House Restoration, November 2015
- Village of Tower Lakes and Cuba Township, Barclay’s Woods Nature Preserve, November 2013
- Village of North Barrington, Watershed Best Management Practices Handbook, November 2011
- Village of Lake Barrington, Open Space Initiative/Freier Farm, November 2010