Naperville breaks ground on Nike Park expansion

As the next generation of young soccer players watches the World Cup, Naperville is preparing a place for them to hone their own skills.

Park district officials broke ground Tuesday on a 20-acre expansion of Nike Sports Complex at Mill Street and Diehl Road.

"As a park district we are pleased to offer this amenity to the community and look forward to many years of enjoyment for all of our residents," board President Mike Reilly said.

In 2007, the district spent $8 million to buy the 20 acres adjacent the existing 25-acre park. This spring, city councilmen agreed to annex it into Naperville.

Groundwork soon will begin on improvements that include the district's first lighted, synthetic turf field; multiuse fields for soccer, football and lacrosse; lighted tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; a playground; walking and bicycle trails; and a cricket pitch.

There also will be a support building and parking lot along Mill Street. The total project is expected to cost $6 million to $8 million.

Larry Gentile, president of the Wheatland Athletic Association, praised the park district for anticipating the community's athletic needs.

"This park guarantees the next generation of Naperville children will not be denied their choice of sports to play in," he said.

Brett Strang, executive director of coaching for the Galaxy Soccer Club, said field space is limited for his 40 teams that include about 550 children. Families are looking forward to having new fields, especially the synthetic turf field that can be used more frequently than a typical grass field.

"A lot of them (families) are happy to finally have an option on the north side of town because it's always been Commissioners Park or Frontier Park," he said.

Despite its sports-related uses, the park is not named for the athletic gear company. Part of the existing park was once a U.S. Army Nike air defense system site. The park's name not only recognizes its history but also is the name of a Greek goddess associated with victory.

The expansion project is expected to be complete in 2011.