With the weather turning nicer and the school year ending, attention will soon be shifting towards outdoor activities and Romeoville’s parks. With that in mind, the Village Board passed a number of park improvements for Deer Crossing, Village, and Budler parks.
Deer Crossing Park will see the removal of the existing surfacing around the playground in favor of artificial turf. With the new addition of the concession stand, the park will also feature a sitting area with tables so patrons can have a place to enjoy their snacks.
Just across the way, the tennis courts at Village Park will receive new lighting. The current wooden poles, which have been in place since 1970, will be replaced with new poles and fixtures.
Finally, Budler Park, located near the intersection of S. Budler Rd and Trafalger Dr., will get a complete renovation. The work on the 17 year old park will allow for upgraded playground equipment and adding new amenities and drainage.
“We take great pride in our parks and keeping them up to date and up to safety standards is a huge part of that,” explained Mayor John Noak.
The village is constantly working to improve existing parks and expand on the collection of 31 park sites. Some of the park projects completed in 2017 included work at O’Hara Woods, Sunset Park, and Forestview Park.
At O’Hara Woods (524 W. Belmont) a brand new nature-themed playground was installed as well as a major renovation to the Pete Capone Pavilion. Residents can rent the pavilion for $75 per day by stopping in the Recreation Department (900 W. Romeo Road) during business hours. The sheltered pavilion has access to the new playground, picnic tables, fishing at Lake Strini, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, baggo toss, electricity, and bathrooms.
The Cooperative Community Garden opened at Sunset Park (729 Murphy Drive) in 2017. This was a joint effort between the Romeoville Parks & Recreation Department and the Lockport Township Park District. Residents of Romeoville and Lockport Township can reserve 10’ by 10’ plots beginning every February at the Romeoville Recreation Department. The growing season is from April 15 until October 20 and each participant receives a key to access their plots. A communal water supply is available and participants are responsible for providing their own container. Only one spot remains for the 2018 growing season.
Forestview Park (1065 W. Birch Lane) opened in fall of 2017 and features a playground, pavilion, fitness stations, and access to trails. This neighborhood park is located in northwestern Romeoville by the Greenhaven subdivision and Meadowdale Estates.
For a full listing of the parks in Romeoville, click here.