The Park District celebrated the reopening of The Hub playground at Berens Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 20. Park Board Commissioners, District staff, and community members gathered to commemorate the completion of the playground’s redevelopment and to enjoy the updated play area.
The recently reopened playground features an exciting mix of equipment designed for all ages and abilities, including a zip line, tire swing, and a shaded merry-go-round structure that offers accessible fun for all children. Additional improvements include streamlined seating, shaded picnic areas, and refreshed landscaping throughout the site.
The original playground was installed in 2004 as part of a larger redevelopment of Berens Park. The process to reimagine the playground began last July with a combined public input meeting and "Party in the Park" event. Following this, staff developed two playground concepts, which were presented to the community through an online survey. The resulting feedback helped shape the final design, which was approved by the Park Board in November 2024.
Located near Wagner Community Center and surrounded by athletic fields, the playground is one of the most frequently visited in the District. With its updated features and inclusive design, it’s ready to serve a new generation of families and play-seekers for years to come.