Capital Projects & Improvements
Continuing work to improve your parks & facilities
View summaries for projects currently in planning or construction phases in addition to recently completed projects.
If you’d like to know more about any of these projects, please contact the Parks and Planning Department at 630-653-5429.
Projects Currently in Planning or Construction
October 28, 2024 Update:
The Cosley Zoo Parking Project will move forward.
Wheaton Park District Update
Why is there a question on the November 5th Election Ballot about the Cosley Zoo Parking Lot Project?
If you have voted early or obtained a sample ballot in preparation for casting your votes on November 5th, you may be aware that the following question appears on the ballot:
Click image for larger view.
Because there may be confusion about this, we offer the following facts:
- On May 29, 2024, the City of Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board Voted unanimously to recommend that City Council approve the Wheaton Park District’s permit application for the construction of a 93-space staff and visitor overflow parking area on the east side of Gary Avenue, across the street from the zoo. This recommendation followed over 20 hours of public meetings where the project was fully vetted.
- A group of citizens who are opposed to the Park District constructing an additional staff and visitor overflow parking lot on the east side of Gary Avenue collected sufficient signatures on a petition to place this question on the November 5 General Election Ballot. A lawyer representing some of these citizens submitted the ballot question and supporting petitions on June 21, 2024.
- On July 1, 2024 the Wheaton City Council voted to approve the park District’s permit application for the project.
- On October 23, 2024, the Wheaton Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a construction contract with EP Doyle, a Wheaton business owned by Wheaton residents, in the amount of $1,999,599 for the construction of the Cosley Zoo staff and visitor overflow parking area. Construction will begin the week of October 28, 2024.The project will be complete in early to mid 2025.
- The Cosley Foundation, the 501c3 non-profit in support of Cosley Zoo, is paying for the entire cost of the project. No taxpayer money will be used for design or construction.
The Cosley Zoo staff and visitor overflow parking area is designed to include the following features:
- The final plan includes 93 new parking spaces, reduced from the originally proposed 258 and removes an existing 30 car staff parking lot for a net gain of 63 parking spaces on the east side of Gary Avenue.
- The updated plan features green areas to buffer neighboring residential properties.
- The new parking area will be one acre in size and constructed using permeable pavers. Over four and a half acres of the land acquired for the parking expansion project will remain green open space.
- The proposed plan will assist in alleviating storm water issues in the area.
The Planning and Zoning Board and subsequently the Wheaton City Council conditioned their approval on additional design and use features which included:
- The new parking area shall not be used until the City of Wheaton completes an improvement project along Gary Avenue which includes a stoplight and crosswalk for safe passage across Gary Avenue.
- A fence shall be installed around the new parking area that will funnel pedestrian traffic from the parking lot to the signalized crosswalk, removing the possibility of pedestrians crossing Gary Avenue in an unsafe manner at mid-block.
- The access drive to the new parking area shall be gated to eliminate unintended off hours access.
- The new parking area shall not be used for material or equipment storage.
- The parking area lighting will comply with Dark Skies Initiative standards.
- Sidewalks shall be extended through the west zoo parking area to facilitate safe pedestrian access from the east parking area to the entrance of the zoo.
- The existing zoo support buildings on the east side of Gary Avenue, which include an animal quarantine center and a storage barn, shall not be used to engage the general public.
- Zoo and Park District Staff shall be required to park in the new east parking area during the zoo’s busy operating months.
Additional facts relevant to the advisory referendum question that appears on the November 5th Election Ballot:
- Only City of Wheaton residents can vote on the advisory referendum. There are 2,200 Wheaton Park District households that are not located within the City of Wheaton and therefore cannot vote on it.
- The 2017 Cosley Zoo Master Plan was a 40-year vision for the zoo. The $49.4 million plan cost was to be primarily raised philanthropically rather than through tax dollars.
- The 2017 Cosley Zoo Master Plan vision was rescinded by the Wheaton Park District Board of Commissioners in February 2024. The Master Plan referenced in the the advisory referendum question does not exist.
- Cosley Zoo annual visitation is around 150,000 and in recent history has been as high as 180,000.
Should you have questions regarding the Cosley Zoo staff and visitor overflow parking area construction project, please contact Mike Benard, Wheaton Park District Executive Director at [email protected] or 630-510-4945.
Parking Lot Rendering:
Click image for larger view.
July 20, 2024:
Daily Herald Article: Wheaton City Council Approves Cosley Zoo Parking Plan as presented in the June 4, 2024 update
June 4, 2024 Update:
Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board Votes Unanimously to Recommend City Council Approval of Cosley Zoo Parking Plan
Smaller Parking Area and Updated Design Features Reflect Constructive Feedback from Residents and Recommendations from the Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board
On May 29th, the Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board voted 5-0 in favor of recommending City Council approval of the Wheaton Park District’s plan to construct an additional parking lot for Cosley Zoo. “We appreciate the significant amount of time and energy spent by the Planning and Zoning Board, City Staff and our Resident Stakeholders as we worked together over many months to achieve a collaborative solution and positive recommendation” said John Kelly, President of the Wheaton Park District Board of Commissioners.
In late April, the Wheaton Park District released updated plans for the new parking area that incorporated feedback and addressed concerns raised by nearby residents and community members during a months-long public input process. The final plan includes 93 new parking spaces, reduced from the originally proposed 258 and removes an existing 30 car staff parking lot for a net gain of 63 parking spaces on the east side of Gary Avenue. The updated plan features larger setbacks for additional green areas to buffer neighboring residential properties. The new parking area will be one acre in size and be constructed using permeable pavers. Over four and a half acres of the land acquired for the parking expansion project will remain green open space. The proposed plan will assist in alleviating stormwater issues in the area. The Planning and Zoning Board conditioned their unanimous approval on additional design and use features which included:
- The new parking area shall not be used until the City of Wheaton completes an improvement project along Gary Avenue which includes a stoplight and crosswalk for safe passage across Gary Avenue.
- A fence shall be installed around the new parking area that will funnel pedestrian traffic from the parking lot to the signalized crosswalk, removing the possibility of pedestrians crossing Gary Avenue in an unsafe manner at mid-block.
- The access drive to the new parking area shall be gated to eliminate unintended off hours access.
- The new parking area shall not be used for material or equipment storage.
- The parking area lighting will comply with Dark Skies Initiative standards.
- Sidewalks shall be extended through the west zoo parking area to facilitate safe pedestrian access from the east parking area to the entrance of the zoo.
- The existing zoo support buildings on the east side of Gary Avenue, which include an animal quarantine center and a storage barn, shall not be used to engage the general public.
- Zoo and Park District Staff shall be required to park in the new east parking area during the zoo’s busy operating months.
According to Mike Benard, Executive Director of the Wheaton Park District, the park district agrees with the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendations for additional design and use conditions and will incorporate this input into the final design. “Shifting the intended use of the new east side parking area to primarily serve the needs of the zoo staff, as well as the park district staff that work in the office building adjacent to the zoo makes sense and will free up a significant number of parking spaces on the west side of Gary Avenue for zoo guests,” said Benard. “After it is constructed, the new 93 space parking area will be used by 50-60 staff members during the busiest summer months.”
The Cosley Foundation is covering the entire cost of the design and construction of the new parking area, which is estimated at $2.1 million. No taxpayer money will be used for design or construction. The Wheaton Park District Board has no plans to increase taxes as a result of this project.
The need for the new parking area has been documented over the last 8 years by Cosley Zoo staff who have observed and noted that on many days each year, the existing parking areas fill to capacity causing zoo visitor vehicles to back up, circle and leave before finding a parking space. With the 2024 busy zoo season well underway, the park district reports that as of May 31, the existing parking lots have already reached capacity on 8 days and were very close to capacity another 6 days.
In response to concerns voiced by residents about zoo expansion and costs estimates, the Park District Board recently took action to rescind the Cosley Zoo 30-year Master Plan which was approved in 2017. Moving forward, the Park Board has asked staff to engage subject matter experts at the zoo and outside consultants to complete a comprehensive Cosley Zoo Exhibit and Support Facility Existing Conditions Report. The results of this study will be prioritized, and stakeholder feedback will be solicited.
“Cosley Zoo is a remarkable and special place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are able to truly connect with nature and animals at a time when many have become more disconnected from our natural world. The successful development of these impactful connections is possible in part due to the small size and welcoming nature of Cosley Zoo, which will not change”, said Sue Wahlgren, Director of Cosley Zoo. “As we work to continually enhance the well-being of our animals, strengthen our commitment to conservation, and increase the breadth of our educational programs, the special qualities that make Cosley Zoo so impactful, will always remain. Adding a moderate amount of parking spaces will enable the zoo to share and create impactful connections with more families igniting a spark to care for our world.”
With the planning and zoning hearing process now closed, we will continue our collaborative and transparent process to seek city approval for the new staff and overflow parking area. We hope that everyone will recognize the positive impact that the Cosley Zoo has on the quality of life in our community and provide support at the upcoming City Council Meetings. Supportive emails can be sent to the Wheaton City Council at [email protected].
Contact: Michael Benard, Executive Director
[email protected]
May 11, 2024:
Daily Herald Letter to Editor
April 26, 2024:
Daily Herald Article: Park district: No tax dollars will be spent expanding zoo parking
April 22, 2024 Update:
Wheaton Park District Releases Final Plan and Cost Estimate for Additional Parking at Cosley Zoo
Smaller Parking Area Reflects Constructive Feedback from Residents
The Wheaton Park District released the final plan for a new parking area that incorporates feedback and addresses concerns raised by nearby residents and community members during a months-long public input process. The final plan proposes 93 new spaces, reduced from the originally proposed 258, and features larger setbacks for additional green areas. The new parking area will be one acre in size and be constructed using permeable pavers. Over four and a half acres of the land acquired for the parking expansion project will remain green. The proposed plan adheres to city and county stormwater regulations.
Park District staff released the plan update after members of the public again provided feedback during a Planning and Zoning Board hearing. “We are very grateful for the constructive feedback we received from community members and stakeholders since the new parking area was proposed” said Mike Benard, Executive Director of the Park District. “This proposal is the culmination of input from residents and stakeholders and evenly balances the need for the additional parking without changing our community’s character.”
The Cosley Foundation is covering the entire cost of the design and construction of the new parking area, which is estimated at $2.1 million. No taxpayer money will be used for design or construction.
Zoo staff have noted that on many days each year, the current parking area fills to capacity. To accommodate more visitors, the proposed parking area on the east side of Gary Avenue will provide an additional 93 spaces. Park District staff will be required to park in the new parking area during the busy zoo season which will free up 30 parking spaces for zoo visitors on the west side of Gary Avenue.
The proposal is in concurrence with the City of Wheaton installing crosswalks, traffic lights, sidewalks and other improvements on Gary Avenue at the parking entrances to provide more safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and zoo patrons.
“A big part of our zoo’s charm is its small size and modest number of animals and attractions that delight younger children and families,” said Benard. “The proposed addition will add to our community and allow more families a wholesome option for entertaining children and connecting them with nature and conservation.”
The Park District Board recently took action to repeal the Cosley Zoo 30-year Master Plan. The Board has asked staff to engage subject matter experts at the zoo and outside consultants to complete a comprehensive Cosley Zoo Exhibit and Support Facility Existing Conditions Report. The results of this study will be prioritized, and stakeholder feedback will be solicited.
As we continue our public and transparent process to seek city approval for our new parking area, we hope that everyone will recognize the benefits of our zoo and provide support at the upcoming public hearing and City Council Meetings.
View Document (PDF) (Originally published in an update on April 17, 2024)
April 17, 2024 Update:
Updated Rendering
April 11, 2024:
Daily Herald Letter to Editor
April 1, 2024:
Daily Herald Letter to Editor
March 15, 2024:
An updated Wheaton Park District plan for expanded Cosley Zoo parking would provide 93 parking spaces across the street from the zoo along Gary Avenue. (Click image to enlarge view)
Daily Herald Article: Wheaton reviewing controversial plan to expand Cosley Zoo parking
By Dave Oberhelman
A Wheaton panel has started reviewing a park district plan to expand parking at Cosley Zoo, while residents opposed to the idea are pushing to have voters weigh in on the proposal.
The Wheaton Park District is seeking permission from the city to build a 93-space parking lot across the street from the zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave.
This week, the Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on the proposal. It will be up to the panel to recommend if the Wheaton City Council should approve or deny the park district’s request for an accessory parking lot on the east side of Gary Avenue opposite the 50-year-old zoo.
A standing-room crowd attended Tuesday’s public hearing. After more than three hours of testimony, the planning and zoning board continued the meeting to April 9.
According to the park district, the 80-space visitor parking lot serving the zoo often reaches capacity, turning potential customers away. The zoo attracts more than 150,000 people annually.
Attorney Phil Luetkehans, representing the park district at the hearing, produced a document stating that Cosley Zoo parking has
been at capacity an average of 174 days over the last eight years.
The proposed parking expansion would address that by creating a 93-space lot on roughly 1.6 acres east of Gary Avenue. The site currently has a 30-space lot for zoo employees only.
However, residents opposed to the plan argue that Cosley Zoo doesn’t need more parking. They say the park district based its claim on staff observations — not data.
Furthermore, opponents — who have launched a petition drive to place an advisory question about the parking proposal on the November ballot — say they believe the additional parking is a precursor to an expansion of the zoo as outlined in a 2017 master plan.
“This is a shell game,” said Tom Frederick, an attorney representing the residents.
In February, Wheaton park board members rescinded the master plan and ordered a new “existing conditions report,” due by Jan. 1, 2025. The report would be the basis of a committee charged with prioritizing facility renovation or replacement projects.
In questioning by Frederick, Shawn Benson of the consulting construction and engineering firm Wight & Company said he had not worked on an expansion plan for the zoo.
Conducted similar to a court proceeding, topics covered during Tuesday’s public hearing included the installation of a turn lane and a traffic signal at the intersection of Gary and Prairie avenues, the entrance to the proposed east parking lot.
Pedestrian safety is one of the concerns raised by opponents of the parking plan.
A city project to improve Gary Avenue is scheduled to begin this summer. “This (parking plan) would not be happening without the Gary Avenue improvements,” Luetkehans said. Neighboring residents also questioned how water released by a detention tank under the lot, which will use permeable pavers, would impact flooding of the Winfield Creek watershed, as well as their own properties.
Benson said the system would provide an 80% reduction in the runoff rate and is required under ordinance to improve water quality.
Mike Benard, executive director of the park district, said a day after the meeting that the district is “grateful to have the opportunity to
present the facts” about the parking proposal. “The constructive feedback we have received from community stakeholders over the past nine months is appreciated,” Benard said, “and was used to arrive at the final plans that are currently under review.”
March 8, 2024 Update:
Cosley Zoo Celebrates 50 Years of Welcoming Children and Families
For 50 years, Cosley Zoo has served the children and families of Wheaton and nearby communities by offering a convenient and inexpensive option for interactions with farm animals and native wildlife. We consider it one of the shining jewels of the Wheaton Park District and believe that our more than 157,000 visitors last year agree.
Despite our outstanding reputation and numerous contributions to our community, such as our conservation projects and biannual cleanup of Winfield Creek, we have recently been the subject of a dedicated and ongoing campaign to prevent the Wheaton Park District from creating a new overflow parking area to give more families the option of visiting the zoo on its busiest days.
Zoo staff have documented that on over 100 days per year, our current parking area is filled to capacity. This forces families to park on neighborhood streets, or worse, abandon their plans and disappoint their children. We have planned a new 93 space parking area on the east side of Gary Avenue. An existing 30 space staff parking lot will be removed for a net increase of 63 parking spaces. At the same time, the City of Wheaton is installing a crosswalk, traffic light, and other improvements on Gary Avenue to provide more safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and zoo patrons.
Despite being repeatedly presented with facts, a vocal group of parking lot opponents, which started its campaign with false claims about the destruction of wetlands and increased flooding, has moved on to spreading alarm about phantom tax increases, and a massive expansion of the zoo. All to protest the building of a modest, overflow parking lot on property purchased by the Park District for this exact purpose. They have even gone so far as to file a frivolous lawsuit against the park district, its Executive Director, a Park Commissioner and the Cosley Foundation and have threatened additional legal action against park district commissioners and employees.
Our plan will adhere to city and county stormwater regulations and provide additional parking in a manner that will only positively affect the neighborhood. Of the nearly six acres of related property, the project will actually maintain three and a half acres of green space in its current natural condition while only disturbing two acres for the parking expansion. The new parking area itself will be one acre in size.
We recognize that a big part of our zoo’s charm is its small size and modest number of animals and attractions that delight younger children and provide parents and grandparents with a convenient recreation option that does not rely on television and computer screens.
Accordingly, the Park Board recently took action to repeal their 2017 approval of the Cosley Zoo 30 year Master Plan which was always tied to private funding. There were no plans to increase taxes related to the Master Plan, only to continue serving our community as we have for decades. Cosley Zoo’s vision remains to provide everyone with a meaningful connection to animals and nature, and that vision doesn’t include drastic changes or abandoning the values that have served our community.
The Park Board has called for Staff to engage our subject matter experts at the Zoo and any necessary outside consultants to complete a comprehensive Cosley Zoo Exhibit and Support Facility Existing Conditions Report. The results of this study will be prioritized, and stakeholder feedback will be solicited.
As we continue our public and transparent process to seek city approval for our new parking area, we hope that everyone will recognize the benefits of our zoo and provide support at the upcoming Planning and Zoning Board meeting on March 12, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Wheaton City Hall located at 303 West Wesley St.
07/15/2024
The Wheaton Park District Community Center locker rooms are now open.
The Wheaton Park District Community Center locker rooms opened on Monday, July 15.
All Parks Plus Fitness members 18 and older have access to the locker rooms. Upon scanning their membership ID card at the bar code scanners located next to the doors, doors will unlock and allow members to enter.
Photos © 2024 Kmiecik Imagery
Questions?
Email Alex DiSerio at [email protected].
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06/07/2024
The Wheaton Park District Community Center locker rooms are scheduled to re-open on Monday, July 15.
While we had hoped to have the locker rooms open sooner, our contractor experienced some delays in receiving some of the materials needed to complete the work including tiles, benches and lockers.
You can look forward to a beautifully renovated and upgraded locker room with custom wood lockers, tiled floors, an added grooming area, new showers, renovated hot tub and sauna, as well as a NEW steam room. Additionally, a NEW single-use restroom and shower will be available.
Questions?
Email Alex DiSerio at [email protected].
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01/08/2024
New Parks Plus Fitness Facility Opened on January 2, 2024
The renovated facility includes a new, one-of-a-kind turf area that enhances CrossFit and HIIT training and is outfitted with equipment and exercise accessories to help you maximize your workout. The facility offers a first in park district fitness centers with a recovery room featuring two Novo XT PRO Massage Chairs that allow members to enjoy the ultimate in relaxation with the S- and L-Track that extends high performance coverage from your neck and shoulders all the way down to your glutes and thighs. The spacious new facility is illuminated with a pleasant cloud lighting system that showcases 75 brand new strength, cardio and adaptive pieces of equipment, including Peloton bikes, CONCEPT2 Skiers, NuStep recumbent cross trainers, and bikes, ellipticals and treadmills with 22-inch touch screen monitors.
Locker rooms are under construction and will feature larger, wooden lockers, refinished tiled floors, new steam rooms, and renovated showers, recovery tubs and saunas. The expected completion date for these improvements is TBD.
Click Images to Zoom
All Photos © Kmiecik Imagery 2023.
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10/19/2023
Community Center Interior Renovations – Phase 2
Renovations to the program rooms on the second floor of the Community Center and the Memorial Room were completed in 2022. The second phase of work continues with the Parks Plus Fitness, the Zone and the Facility Locker Rooms.
Parks Plus Fitness is getting a new look and will feature some of the latest fitness trends with over 60 new strength, cardio, and adaptive equipment pieces as well as a turfed training area and rubberized performance flooring throughout the gym space. The fitness center front desk will be relocated to increase visibility and larger glass walls will allow for more light to enter through the atrium.
The new equipment will include NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainers, Peloton bikes, Concept2 Skiers, treadmills, ellipticals and recumbent bikes with 15-inch touch screen monitors, two completely customized half racks, smith machine, hex squat machine, glute drive machine and fully loaded 8 station hi-lo pulley rig.
The turf area will be designed to help aid in any CrossFit, HIIT training or sports performance training with Assault equipment, heavy bag and multiple TRX stations.
Our NEW recovery room will feature commercial-grade massage chairs, a massage table, foam rollers and massage guns.
The facility locker rooms will also be upgraded with larger wooden lockers, refinished and tiled floors, an added grooming area, renovated showers, recovery tub and sauna as well as a NEW steam room. Additionally, a new single-use restroom will now be available.
At the other end of the hallway, the Zone, Lincoln Marsh and Graf Rooms will be reconfigured to utilize the space more efficiently and provide better flexibility for multi-use.
Click Images to Zoom
Expected Timeline
Parks Plus Fitness is to be completed by the end of 2023.
The hallway by the Zone and locker rooms will begin in January 2024 and the expected completion date is TBD.
Parks Plus Fitness Equipment
Highlights:
- Over 60 brand-new machines/equipment for strength, cardio and adaptive workouts
- Over 60 pairs of dumbbells ranging from 5-100 pounds, which include the NEW concept Ybells; combining the functionality of both a kettlebell and dumbbell
- All new turf and rubber flooring for better performance
Adaptive:
- SciFit Upper Body Pro1000
- Two Adaptive Precor Motion AMT Trainers
- Three NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainers
- Heavy bag, performance tiers, medicine balls, six stationed TRX straps, Assault bike, rower and treadmill
- Turfed area
Cardio:
- Two Peloton Bikes with trainers programmed
- Ten Precor Treadmills with 15-inch touch screens
- Six Precor Ellipticals with 15-inch touch screens
- Four Precor Recumbent Bikes with 15-inch touch screens
- Two Stair Climbers
- Four Concept2 Rowers
- Two Concept2 Skiers
Strength:
- Two PPF-Customized Half Racks
- Fully Customized PFFC Bumper Plates
- Smith Machine
- 8-Stack Hi-Lo Pulley Rig
- 9 Plate Strength Machines
Recovery Room:
- Two Human Touch Novo XT Pro Massage Chairs
- Massage/Stretching Table
- Massage Rollers
- Massage Guns
Locker Rooms:
- Upgraded Lockers
- Grooming Area
- Sauna
- Recovery Tub
- New Steam Room
- Upgraded Showers
01/31/24
UPDATE:
Community Center Parking Lot and Pedestrian Safety Improvements Status
- Paving – completed in late Fall 2023
- New protected crosswalk/bike racks – completed in late Fall 2023
- New electric vehicle (EV) chargers/parking spaces – to be completed in Summer 2024 – EV chargers will be level 2 chargers capable of a modest charge to vehicle during time at the Community Center and are not intended to provide a full charge during an average visit.
- Landscape improvements – projected completion – to be completed in Spring 2024
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09/04/23
UPDATE:
Beginning Wednesday, September 6, the main entrance of the building will be closed. The main entrance is scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 11 (date subject to change).
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08/20/23
Renovations Start August 21
Asphalt, sidewalks and curbs will be replaced around the building’s main and northwest entrances. Improvements to pedestrian safety and vehicular traffic flow are also part of the project.
The work has been broken down into four phases to ensure there is adequate parking throughout the construction.
MAP & SCHEDULE*
Community Center Parking Lot & Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Renovation Phases – Larger Map
Phase 1 (8/21/23-9/10/23): Northwest parking lot, curb, sidewalk. Northwest entrance to the building will be closed. Partial closure to main entrance from Blanchard.
Phase 2 (9/11/23-9/24/23): Sidewalk and curb removal/replacement. Main entrance to the building will be closed.
Phase 3 (9/25/23-10/15/23): Parking lot. Partial closure of main entrance from Blanchard.
Phase 4 (10/16/23-11/12/23): Parking lot.
*Schedule is subject to change.
Nov. 14, 2023
UPDATE:
Schedule of Improvements
- Briar Patch Park – OSLAD Grant Improvements 2023-2024
- Playground resurfacing completed in Spring 2023
- Backstop Project Currently in progress Fall 2023
- Tennis and Pickleball Courts 2024
- Outdoor Fitness Equipment 2024
Future Endeavors
Shane’s Inspiration and Landscape Structures (LSI) designed a universally designed custom playground as part of a contest the park district was awarded for Play for All in 2012. The park district and Play For All Foundation were able to move forward with the 2 to 5-year-old structure in 2014. The contest provided $100,000 worth of equipment for that phase. This design has remained the basis for the budget and the depiction to the public of what is to come as it continues the original design intent of an equestrian-themed play area.
As fundraising continues, installation of the new 5 to 12-year-old playground is planned for 2024.
Recently Completed
The playground replacement at Kelly Park was completed in the Fall of 2022. As part of this project, the asphalt pathways were replaced within the park and were completed in the Spring of 2023.
Click images below to enlarge view.
2 to 5-Year-Old Playground & Climbers
5 to 12-Year-Old Playground
Tucked back in the Adare Farms neighborhood visitors will find a hidden gem. Hurley Gardens is a small glimpse of what was once the formal garden on the Hurley estate. The gardens include two small structures built in the Neo-Classical Revival style. The area that was reported once to be a swimming pool had been converted into a reflecting pool and fountain. The pool and fountain had become increasingly difficult to maintain in recent years. The park district reconfigured the space to be a self-contained fountain within a formal garden. The fountain is the centerpiece within walkways and formal hedges, groundcovers and annual flowers which will provide visual interest year-round. Work was completed on the fountain and walkways in October of this year. (Plantings to come in the Spring of 2024).
Click images to enlarge view.
On the far east side of town, tucked away in a neighborhood near the border of Glen Ellyn is Hoffman Park. In 1969 the wheels were put into motion to set aside this land as a park. The park is adjacent to the Illinois Prairie Path and features asphalt walking paths, an open space where soccer is often played, a baseball diamond and a playground. Last year, 2022, the walking paths were reconstructed, and the baseball backstop was replaced. Additionally, some work was done to alleviate slow-draining areas of the park.
This past year the district made plans to replace the playground as part of its ongoing efforts to keep its 23 playgrounds updated. The process of replacing a playground always begins with a survey of the residents who use the park. This input is incorporated into a request for bids that goes out to several playground equipment manufacturers who are asked to provide the best, most exciting playground designs they can offer within the budget that is set for the project. A team of staff ranks these designs by how well they meet the community’s desires in addition to accessibility, durability, and track record of maintenance. The park district has also made it a goal to build all new playgrounds with unitary surfacing such as rubber or artificial turf that is safe and accessible.
The new playground at Hoffman Park will be completed in the Fall of 2023. Opening soon.
Click images to enlarge view.
The master plan for the Sensory Garden includes an area for climbing equipment. Funds for this equipment have been raised through donations and a grant award from the DuPage Community Foundation.
A GT Wave net climbing structure was constructed in 2022. It features a transfer platform, an accessible climbing route and a slide.
The Gravity Rail was also added in 2022 in the Tree House area, where the large, gazebo-like treehouse is accessible via a gently sloping wooden ramp. Riders sit in a swing-style seat attached to a curved rail that lets them glide through the air, just a few feet off the ground, and around the track.
Click images to enlarge view.
Click images to enlarge view.
Last year, the park district received notice that we were awarded $750,000 through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources 2021 Museum Grant program. This is the program that previously funded the roof replacement at the DuPage County Historical Museum. The Wheaton Park District obtained the grant and DuPage County contracted for the work to be completed. Working with DuPage County staff and the restoration architect, it was determined that structural reinforcement in the attic and rebuilding the gutter system was the most critical to prevent deterioration of the structure.
Click images to enlarge view.
