Waubonse Lake Park getting updates

A renovated playground and new, modern equipment are coming to Waubonsie Lake Park, following approval by the Fox Valley Park District Board of Commissioners for a $121,093 bid to the Kenneth Company of Bolingbrook.

Located at the south end of Waubonsie Lake, the playground complements the adjacent community park nature-based play zone with a more traditional playground experience and is separated by the dam spillway to create a barrier for young children, bicycles and strollers.

In keeping with best playground design and safety practices, separate play areas will be constructed - one area for ages 2 to 5 and another for children in the 5 to 12 age range. A third, separate area will include the new and popular "expression swing" that promotes intergenerational connections as adults and children swing together.

The board also approved the purchase of playground equipment through the U.S. Communities Purchasing Cooperative for $48,671, bringing the total project cost to $169,671, more than $10,000 below the budgeted cost of $180,000.

Park district staff worked closely with neighborhood groups in designing the concept plan, fielding input and feedback throughout the planning process through open forums at the park site and ongoing communications. Residents requested a bench and permanent picnic table, which were added to the final plan.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late August, with completion targeted for mid-October. The Kenneth Company recently completed a similar project for Fox Valley with a playground renovation at Verona Ridge Park on Aurora's far west side.