Upgrades at Lindenhurst park almost complete

Right now, the place is dominated by bulldozers and backhoes moving tons of muddy topsoil. It's hard to see the beauty.

But Lindenhurst Park District officials say residents will be pleased once the work is done at James Janega Memorial park on the west side of the village.

Parks director Tom Lippert said it looks messy now, but crews have come a long way.

"You should have seen this park a couple of years ago," Lippert laughed. "The cattails were taking over. This is one of our oldest parks. It really needed the upgrade."

Work began nearly a year ago, and depending on weather, the project should be completed by mid-August or earlier, Lippert said.

The $850,000 worth of upgrades include a bocce ball court, chess/checker table and a bike and pedestrian path dotted with environmental education signage.

The new playground area features a "Linden Plaza" theme, Lippert said. Modeled after the shopping center on Grand Avenue, the pretend strip mall includes a replica of the Linden Barber Shop.

In addition, Lippert said a fishing pier is being installed and the ponds will be stocked with fish soon. Visitors will be able to ice skate on a section of pond this winter.

Crews have been dredging and relocating thousands of cubic feet of sediment that has been building for years in the center of the park. The work is funded by the park district and a matching state grant.

The park is named in honor of John Janega, a longtime member of the Lake Villa Township Lions Club. Janega took it upon himself to be caretaker for what known decades ago as "Willow Park".

Janega is one of 19 parks in Lindenhurst. Engle Memorial Park is the largest at 52 acres. The park district oversees a total of 110 acres.

Lippert expects local residents will be happy to see the backhoes leaving.

"All this work has been hard on the neighbors," Lippert said. "They have been very patient and very understanding. They are good people."