The Oak Brook Park District is planning a $6 million enhancement of its Central Park,1510 Forest Gate Road.
The project is slated to begin next summer and take approximately six months to complete.
Bob Johnson, the Park District’s deputy director, said alternative funding, in the form of grants, sponsorships, and donations, is being sought to help cover costs.
“But we will also be value-engineering the projects to reduce costs,” he said, “and the Park District will not be seeking additional taxpayer revenues for these improvements.”
Johnson said the Park District is looking to apply for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant to partially fund and improve outdated amenities at Central Park.
He said planned enhancements include the addition of eight pickleball courts and expanded parking near the Central Park West building, the replacement of two 20-plus-year-old playgrounds at the Family Recreation Center, and the replacement of the 40-plus-year-old tennis courts and the addition of four more.
“The rising demand for pickleball, especially outdoors, is the driving force behind the new courts,” Johnson said. ‘The existing three pickleball and eight tennis court surfaces are asphalt pavement, which is cracking, uneven, and well beyond its useful life.
“The playgrounds at the Family Recreation Center are deteriorating and will be replaced with equipment that meets current accessibility standards, including a synthetic surface to replace the existing mulch. The improvements will include new accessible pathway connections, seating, shade structures, and landscaping.”
The enhancements are to be completed at various sites around Central Park.
“The tennis courts are centrally located within the park, the pickleball courts will be west of the Central Park West building, and the playgrounds are adjacent to Splash Island on the south side of the Family Recreation Center,” Johnson said.
He said Central Park users will have access to more court space than what is now available, enhanced parking, and safe accessible pathways.
“The playground will provide a new play space with modern and accessible surfacing, shade structures, seating, and a games area,” Johnson said. “The spaces will feel vibrant and refreshed.”
Park District staff held a community input meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 7 to gather feedback on the planned Central Park enhancement. Johnson said about 15 people attended, completed surveys and shared their thoughts on the planned improvements.
“Children from the park district day camp also had the opportunity to pick their favorite features of the proposed playground area,” he said.
A second presentation about the Central Park enhancements is scheduled for the 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 Park Board meeting at the Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
