Park District of Oak Park

PARK RENEWAL PROJECTS Lindberg Park Renovation Update The renovated Lindberg Park ball fields are slated to reopen in December signaling the end to this 6-month park improvement project. The new tennis courts, picnic shelter and tot lot were re-opened to the public in mid-October. Other improvements included the development of a looped walking path and the creation of a dedicated field solely for soccer and lacrosse. Funding for this project was partially provided through a $400,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD grant. The remaining funding came from the Park District's capital improvement plan. Park District Facilities Recognized The Village of Oak Park's Community Design Commission has awarded a Cavalcade of Pride award to the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex for our overall signage package. The CDC liked the font, the style, and the ease of identification of the building and directional signage. Cheney Mansion was also recognized with a Cavalcade of Pride award in the "Special" category for landscaping, building upkeep, greenhouse renovation and fencing. The CDC felt Cheney Mansion is exemplary in appearance and the award was well earned. The new tot lot at Lindberg Park features a synthetic surface for improved accessibility. You can apply for a rental permit beginning March 1 for the new picnic pavilion at Lindberg Park. The rental season dates are April 1 through October 31. Picnic pavilions are also available at Field and Taylor Parks. The field at Carroll Park has been regraded and sodded for improved play. Carroll Park's new backstops and players and spectator benches 2015 Park Improvement Projects Look for the construction of the Environmental Learning Center in Austin Garden to begin in March 2015. Large and small activity rooms will be home to nature programs for all ages and day camps as well as private rentals. The Park District is aiming to achieve Platinum LEED certification for this project which is partially funded through a $400,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD grant. Construction of the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden along East Avenue at the Oak Park Conservatory is set to begin in March 2015. This new outdoor addition will create a space that invites both children and adults to observe, touch and interact with nature in all seasons. A new garden area containing plant arrangements that highlight the use of water-wise, pollinator-friendly, native, and similar ecological groupings in small demonstration gardens will also be added along Garfield Street in front of the Conservatory. These projects are being made possible through a major fundraising effort by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory along with a $146,000 Museum Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Look for these new garden areas to open in early summer 2015. Fox and Longfellow Parks Field Upgrades When baseball season begins in the spring, participants will enjoy the new backstops and shaded spectator and player areas at Fox and Longfellow Parks which were installed in August and September. An irrigation system was also installed at Fox Park. Longfellow already has such a system. These improvements are part of the Park District's ongoing efforts to improve the condition of our sports fields. Look for similar improvements to be completed at Maple Park in 2015. Cheney Mansion Greenhouse Project The newly renovated Cheney Mansion Greenhouse is now open. This facility is adjacent to the patio on the Cheney grounds and compliments the array of amenities available to those interested in renting this unique, historic venue for weddings, showers and other memorable events. Carroll Park Improvements Phase II of the Carroll Park improvement project is nearly completed. The Park District is literally waiting for the grass to grow. The new backstop, new spectator and player areas with shade structures, field irrigation system and regrading have been completed. We are giving the sod a chance to set and will re-open the sports field by the end of March. 5

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