Forest Park Beach is set to have a new feature later this year with the debut of a new playground.
On April 7, the Lake Forest City Council approved a $600,000 contract for construction and purchase of equipment of a new playground. The new play area is set to be on the same spot as the current structure that was installed in 2004.
“We typically replace our playgrounds in about 20 years,” Superintendent of Parks and Forestry Chuck Myers told the City Council. “So it is time.”
The nautical-themed playground will have structures resembling a ship and a fish, along with slides and climbers, according to city officials. Similar to the existing playground, there will be one section intended for children aged 2-5, the other part enticing for 5-12-year-olds.
The city presented two design options last summer in an online community survey generating more than 570 responses.
“It was a unique and fun opportunity to let the public have an active role in designing the playground that will go in later this year,” City Manager Jason Wicha said.
The nautical-themed playground received 55 percent support from the survey responders.
Myers added with the initial survey, the city received some feedback on features residents wanted leading to some changes in the design.
Using those suggestions, the city incorporated enhanced accessibility for all children and expanded sensory play options with bongos and chimes. The new playground is also set to double the number of structures intended to provide shade and present fresh climbing options.
Myers noted a second online survey went out with 50 people responding that they liked the enhanced design.
Construction is expected to start in the fall and be completed around October 31, according to the city.
Portions of the existing playground are scheduled to be donated to a Rockford-based charity that refurbishes playgrounds in other areas.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
