*Capital Park District Improvements in the Near Future
Again...Welcome!
Park Land Aquisition and Park Development
Back in October, 2006, we received acknowledgement from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that Lindenhurst Park District is the recipient of two state grants totaling over $1 million dollars. One is for land acquisition (named Oak Ridge Park and Wetzel Fields off Grass Lake Road, just west of Millburn) to eventually develop a recreational park. The other grant is for John Janega Memorial Park (off Hickory and Hazelwood Drives) to redevelop and improve the park site; which was recently completed in 2009.
For informational purposes and as presented to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the following is a future conceptual park plan of the land acquisition grant that the Park District has named Oak Ridge Park and Wetzel Fields.
Proposed Oak Ridge Park and Wetzel Fields (2700 Grass Lake Road)
Oak Ridge Park and Wetzel Fields Visual
Please note this plan is for the future, the grant obtained is to financially assist the Park District in purchasing this property. The purchase of this property was completed at the end of March, 2007. The next step, if matching funding is available, is to apply for future grant funding for the phased development of this site.
This tract of land will be Lindenhurst Park District's second largest, and is needed to develop soccer fields, off street parking, and a bike/pedestrian pathway system that would "line-up" perfectly between our neighborhood park and school (Heritage Trails Park/Millburn West School) to the immediate north and to Lake County Forest Preserve's McDonald Woods and adjacent Forest View Park directly across Grass Lake Road to the south. (This is also part of the Lindenhurst Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Comprehensive Plan approved in August, 2008).
Also of interest to this future park are the beautiful, mature oak trees, native woodland habitat, and existing wetland area; therefore receiving the proposed park namesake- Oak Ridge Park. The soccer fields namesake is in recognition and appreciation of decades of hardwork, volunteering, in leading Lindenhurst's youth soccer league... are cofounders Roland (Ron) and Wilma Wetzel- Wetzel Fields. We believe this future park site will have a lot to offer to area residents in terms of outdoor passive and active recreation.
John Janega Memorial Park (205 Hickory Drive) Redevelopment and Improvements 2008-09
As the end of July, 2008, Lindenhurst Park District finally secured all necessary permits to move forward and physically commence work on site in August, 2008. This is a comprehensive project involving various governmental entities approving the plan, and the overall implementation to completion will take us through September, 2009. As of October 1, 2009, the park is open to the public to use and enjoy.
Our thanks to our adjacent neighbors for their patience.
Outlining Park Improvements:
- Replace 25-year-old playground with new ADA compliant playground and associated surfacing. Adjacent children's open space play area. Part of this new playground area will include a Linden Plaza theme, with emphasis on "Linden Barber Shop" theme; in recognition and thanks to longtime local barbershop owner John Miller. John Miller contributed much time and energy to our community through the Chamber of Commerce, Lake Villa Township Lions Club, Village and Park District committees, and events. Thanks to both John and his wife Merilee, and may everyone eventually enjoy all the fun at the future "Linden Plaza and Barber Shop Playground".
- Wetlands enhancement/pond development; including educational/interpretive outdoor education site. Includes boardwalk, fishing piers, and interpretive signage.
- Open Play Area
- Bocce Court facilities.
- Picnic area with picnic tables, litter receptacles.
- Off street park patron parking.
- Bike/pedestrian pathway system connecting one end of the park to the other and connecting two different neighborhoods that surround the park.
- Ongoing habitat restoration, landscaping, native plant materials improvement.
"Let's Connect!"
Approved Lindenhurst Communitywide Pedestrian and Bike Trail Comprehensive Master Plan
Approved Lindenhurst Community Pedestrian & Bicycle Comprehensive Plan(41507 KB)
Here it is! The approved Lindenhurst Park District and Village of Lindenhurst Comprehensive Plan for Communitywide Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails.
During late 2007 to mid-June, 2008, we were seeking input and received it. It's all included, and thank you for those who participated in the development process.
It should be mentioned that governmental agencies such as Lake County Forest Preserve, Lake County Division of Transportation, schools, etc., have been involved in the process.
Our most frequently asked questions are: How is this being funded and when will it be completed?
Funding- A variety of ways; grants, developers (both residential and commercial) affiliated with new growth, park and road renovations, etc.
Timeframe- As circumstances and funding permits; it will take time. It will take years. However, as you review the plan, you can see that we priortized trails that will be most beneficial to all. Therefore, some trail connects could be sooner than you think!
Enjoy reviewing our Lindenhurst Communitywide Pedestrian and Bicyclce Comprehensive Plan!
(It's also available for review at Lake Villa District Library on CDROM).
We know this Plan* was one of the top priorites of Lindenhurst residents. We will continue to do all we can to keep you abreast as we develop our community plan.
*Lindenhurst Pak District's Fall, 2004, Community Attitude and Interest Citizen Survey Results
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We will make every effort to keep you abreast on any significant steps forward relative to the aforementioned associated projects.
Any questions/clarification, please contact Executive Director Tom Lippert at 847-356-6011.
Our THANKS to everyone who supported these grant applications and projects.
