New nature play area to open in Dundee Township

Dundee Township's new unstructured play area, created to encourage children and families to reconnect with nature, is opening this weekend.

Wahoo Woods, named after a unique "wahoo" shrub found on the property, offers kids a space to climb on rocks, play in the dirt and exercise their creativity using items found in nature, township Supervisor Sue Harney said. The play area was developed on less than two acres of the township's Library Springs Natural Area behind the Dundee Library, 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee.

The concept of such a play area has become a national movement, made popular by author Richard Louv, Harney said. His philosophy suggests access to nature is essential to an individual's well-being.

"This is a really fun thing, but it's also a really valuable thing," Harney said. "It's valuable for kids' health, and for adults' health as well, to be out in these places."

In addition to rock climbing features and accessible pathways, Wahoo Woods includes a fort-building area, an art section and a small shed stocked with bones, antlers and other items found in nature. Kids can walk along logs, play in piles of wood chips, build tunnels out of hay bales and create their own structures, Harney said.

Children have been visiting the play area since the project broke ground late last year, she said. The finishing touches are now being put on Wahoo Woods in anticipation of its grand opening from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

The township has exceeded its initial budget of $30,000 for the play area, Harney said, noting Wahoo Woods' price tag has grown closer to $45,000, though an exact cost was not available. More features, such as a music area, could be added to what Harney hopes will be an ever-changing space.

The Fox River Valley Public Library District also plans to hold children's programs in the play area throughout the summer, said Kate Cundiff, information services librarian.

"Every time they add a new feature, we see more people back there. It's a popular destination," she said. "We're very thankful to the township to get in on this opportunity."

The free grand opening event, located in the play area and the library parking lot, will include a short ribbon-cutting ceremony before families can begin exploring, Cundiff said. A nature fair throughout the site will also feature displays provided by local organizations and businesses, including Friends of the Fox River, Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Jamba Juice, the Morton Arboretum and the Elgin Public Museum.