Several capital projects received the approval to more forward at the Monday, March 14 Park Board meeting, with projects at Eldridge Park, Courts Plus and the Wilder Park Formal Garden scheduled to be completed this year. Together, these projects are a sign of the Park District’s commitment to maintaining current assets and meeting the outdoor amenity needs of the community through maintenance and stewardship.
Eldridge Park’s east playground
Redevelopment of Eldridge Park’s east playground was approved, with construction set to begin in mid-June 2022 and be completed in fall.
The playground, located on the Spring Road side of the park, was originally slated to be updated in 2020, but work was postponed due to pandemic related financial constraints. The Park Board previously approved playground concepts back in January 2020, which were partially based on feedback gathered from the community in 2019, through in-person surveys and an online survey.
The playground plans include climbing equipment, slides, an expanded swing area, additional seating and more shade structures. The sand play area and the wood chips currently at the playground will be removed and a permeable rubber safety surfacing and rubber safety tiles will be installed. In addition to the playground replacement, the asphalt will be refurbished, improving accessibility. The Spring Road parking stalls will also be resurfaced.
Park-goers will still have access to the park’s west playground, along Commonwealth Lane. The roller hockey and tennis courts will be open during construction.
Click here to see a flyover of the playground concept! Password for viewing is shapedbyplay.
Courts Plus Parking Lot and Tennis Courts
As part of the upkeep and safety of the parks, the parking lots at Courts Plus and Plunkett Park will be repaved this year. Originally constructed in 2002, the lot is beyond its useful life. The project will improve ADA accessibility, vehicle performance, reduce future environmental stress, and reduce maintenance costs, especially regarding drainage issues with standing water. The scope of the work will also include replacing the sidewalk along the entrance drive and replacing the drainage system along the building.
Construction is expected to begin July 5 with a completion date of August 5. To limit the impact on users, the project’s timing will coincide with summer vacations, off-peak usage at Courts Plus and the break between summer and fall sports.
Inside at Courts Plus, six indoor tennis courts will be resurfaced this summer as well. The tennis courts receive very heavy usage from District programs, tennis leagues, permanent court time and open play. Last resurfaced in 2008, the approved project will also paint additional pickleball lines on two courts as Courts Plus looks to service the increased demand for the sport. The project is scheduled for June 13-30.
Wilder Park Formal Garden Wedding Bowl
Brides, grooms and their guests can look forward to an improved experience this year at Wilder Park. A popular spot for outdoor weddings, the wedding bowl, located in the park’s formal gardens, will have its existing artificial turf replaced this year. Replacing the turf will remove any potential trip hazards and provide a more safe area for those with mobility issues. Project work is expected to begin April 1 and be completed by May 1, in time for scheduled wedding ceremonies that month.
