Gathering celebrates refurbished Spring Lake Park in Fox Valley

The toughest part was the anticipation.

Whenever passers-by on McCoy Drive would whiz past Spring Lake Park this summer, they saw exciting glimpses of what was taking shape.

But it always left them with one burning question: When will it be ready?

Well, as quick as earth-movingly possible, Spring Lake went from groundbreaking to grand reopening in roughly 10 months. More than 300 residents gathered for a celebration extraordinaire last week, joining Fox Valley Park District staff and local dignitaries in christening this newly refurbished gem of a community park.

"This is the best park grand opening ever!" a young girl exclaimed as she excitedly helped paddle a 30-foot Voyageur canoe with a crew of 12 others on its maiden voyage across Spring Lake.

"Imagine, I'm canoeing in ZIP code 60504!" another guest remarked.

It's true. In the shadow of humongous Westfield/Fox Valley Shopping mall and just one mile west from one of the busiest thoroughfares in Illinois (Route 59), Spring Lake glistens like an oasis, a pocket of peace and paradise amid the hectic hubbub known as suburban life.

Totaling 34 acres of open space, the park revolves around its sparkling crown jewel - 20-acre Spring Lake - which also is the headwaters for the Waubonsie Creek greenway, a 232-acre emerald strand of parks and trails extending southwest.

When park district planners first put together blueprints several years ago for improvements at Spring Lake, their vision centered on creating greater access and recreation opportunities in and around the lake. To that end, they designed the park with a nautical theme, featuring playground equipment shaped like boats - and a new, reserve-able shelter with electricity big enough to hold a cruise ship - perfect for large, lakeside outings.

They also turned the lake into a playground for two highly popular water sports - boating and fishing.

The newly constructed boat launch and ramp provide instant access for canoes, kayaks, sailboats and other nonmotorized craft (electric trolling motors are allowed). Paddlers already know this, but the second you hop into a boat and push off, the stress and worries of the day melt away instantly. I can't say it's magic, but the transformation is wondrous.

To be sure, all of the 100 or so guests who took a paddle last week were giddy to take their adventure, captained by the cat in the stovepipe hat - Gary Mechanic of the Illinois Paddling Council - in his gigantic Voyageur canoe which seated 12-14 paddlers per trip.

With each voyage around Spring Lake, they got the fishing report from the assemblage of anglers on the beautiful new fishing pier on the lake's northeast end that doubles as a scenic overlook. Eager bluegills and the occasional largemouth bass kept them busy.

Visitors can be assured the lake will remain vibrant and healthy, too. The new parking lot features permeable pavers, which absorb stormwater to reduce potentially hazardous runoff into the lake. Bioswales and rain gardens aid in the filtering process. And with native aquatic plants ringing the lake, this "buffer strip" prevents erosion and deters nonmigratory Canada geese while providing improved habitat for song birds and bettering the ecosystem for those growing fish that may somebody be on the end of your hook and in your photo album.

That little girl was right. Even at age 7, she knew a great park when she saw it. Lucky for her, she'll be able to enjoy its bounty for a long time.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net