Who owns the fox chase boulevard median?
The center median, north and south banks and the Dunham Road entrance area into Fox Chase Boulevard were established circa 1971 when the Hunters Woods and Aintree subdivisions were originally constructed.
The entry areas and landscape beds within the median between Dunham Road and Aintree Road were developed by the original builder and then ownership was turned over to the City of St. Charles and portions to the St. Charles Park District Foundation. In the 1980’s, builders developing the land west of Aintree Rd. were not required to extend the Fox Chase Boulevard parkway and established the three smaller islands between Aintree Road and Winners Cup Circle.
The grass areas and trees within the center median and north and south banks are maintained by the City of St. Charles Public Works Department, but maintenance is limited to the City’s basic standard of mowing and refuse removal. The City of St. Charles plants and maintains the perennial flowers at the Dunham Road entrance.
Who ORIGINALLY took care of the landscape areas in the MEDIAN?
From 1974 until 2009, the Aintree Community Association, with modest contributions from the Hunters Woods Home Owner Association, funded weed and pest control and maintenance of the shrubs and trees along the median and entrance area between Squire Lane, Dunham Road and Aintree Road. The funding for this maintenance eventually overwhelmed the Aintree budget, which led to the formation of the Fox Chase Boulevard Median Foundation in 2010.
What was the Fox Chase Boulevard Maintenance Fund?
This fund was started in 1997 to collect voluntary contributions from residents located west of Aintree Road. Contributions were used primarily to restore, enhance and maintain the landscape in the three islands west of Aintree Rd, and as funds permitted, other common areas along the Boulevard. Some contributions to this fund were made by the Manor Homes of Whittington Course. This fund was administered by Bob Walters. The Fox Chase Boulevard Median Foundation was established to replace this fund and now oversees improvement efforts for the entire boulevard.
What area does the Median Foundation maintain?
The Fox Chase Boulevard Median Foundation is primarily focused on maintaining, improving and beautifying the center median areas of Fox Chase Boulevard from the stone pillars at the Dunham Road entrance to Winners Cup Circle. Maintenance efforts may also be extended to adjoining areas along Fox Chase Boulevard as necessary to enhance or preserve the appearance of the Median areas. The Median Foundation secured a license from the City of St. Charles to care for these areas.
Who takes care of the Dunham Road entrance?
The Aintree Homeowners Association has partnered with the City of St. Charles and the St. Charles Park District to maintain the landscape areas, stone pillars and lighting of the entrance to Fox Chase Boulevard at Dunham Road. The City of St. Charles is responsible for planting and maintaining the native grasses and flowers in the center median strip between Dunham Road and the stone pillars at the entrance. In 2020, the Fox Chase Boulevard Median Foundation received permission from the City to plant and maintain annual flowers at the front portion of the entrance island.
Who removes snow from the sidewalk?
The Aintree Community Association voluntarily cares for snow removal for the sidewalk along Fox Chase Boulevard from Aintree Road to Dunham Road as well as the west sidewalk along Dunham Road from Fox Chase Boulevard to Squire Lane. The St. Charles Park District removes snow from the sidewalk in front of the Williams Wetlands (between Winners Cup Circle and Thoroughbred Circle).
WHO PROVIDES THE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS at the dunham road entrance?
The Fox Chase Boulevard Median Foundation board members annually displays a scarecrow, wreath and traditional fall decorations in conjunction with the Park District’s annual Gallery of Ghoulish Homes during the month of October. Decorative holiday wreaths are displayed the day after Thanksgiving through New Years Day. Evergreen wreaths are purchased from a local non-profit group.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Fox Chase Boulevard Median Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity as determined by the Internal Revenue Service (EIN = 27-3799311). All contributions to the Median Foundation are tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
What About the Horse Statue at the Entrance?
The equestrian statue at the Dunham Road entrance has been a part of our neighborhood for over 40 years. Click here to learn more about this renowned artwork which is listed in the Smithsonian!
Can Fox Chase Boulevard Median Foundation help out with landscaping in an area near my home that is being neglected?
While we recognize there are Fox Chase neighborhoods where we could make a difference, we are unfortunately unable to help since they are beyond the scope of our charitable purpose.
o Our approved 501(c)(3) application for tax exempt status states “The organization’s activities consist exclusively of maintaining, beautifying, and improving the median area of Fox Chase Boulevard.”
o Section 2 of Bylaws limit our Objectives and Purpose to “activities related to improving the median area of Fox Chase Boulevard for the public benefit.”
o Section 1 of our License Agreement with the City of St Charles limits our Activities to the “Median Area”
By maintaining areas outside the Median we would jeopardize our non-profit status.
If you feel that a neglected area is owned by the City of St Charles we suggest that you contact the Department of Public Works to make an inquiry.