What's ahead for Naperville parks
Whether it's a new playground at Brooks Crossing, paddleboat docks at Riverwalk Park or the proposed Nature Center at Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville Park District wanted to give residents a peek into 2011.
The Park District put about 20 of its proposed capital improvement projects on display Tuesday night at The Barn Recreation Center, at 421 W. Martin Ave.
About 30 residents perused maps and artist renderings before submitting comment cards that parks officials said would be instrumental in the design phases of many of them.
“Our residents traditionally take a great interest in our projects so an event like this gets them in at the ground level of where we're heading with next year's projects,” said Planning Director Eric Shutes. “From here we'll tabulate all of the comments per project area and send it to the board in their weekly packet. Our designers will also take the comments into consideration as they bid the projects and eventually build them.”
Three of the projects, including expansions at Nike Sports Complex and Seager Park and the concessions build-out at Centennial Beach, have already begun but Shutes said it was important to include them since they're expected to be finished in the coming year.
“I'm continuously impressed with the projects the park district takes on each year,” said 21-year resident Lisa Worters. “I think there's about 20 things on this list, right? And I bet most or all of them are actually completed.”
Shutes agreed, saying an approximately $13 million capital projects budget and lower than usual bid proposals will allow all of the projects to be realized.
One of the district's priorities, now that officials have decided to apply for a $2.5 million matching state DNR grant, is the proposed nature center at Knoch Knolls Park.
Shutes said the project is expected to be approved at the district's Nov. 16 budget workshop.
Several commenters were happy to have a local nature center and the educational opportunities expected to come with it. Others were concerned that any work there would be detrimental to the bike trails in the surrounding area.
The plans may be viewed at www.napervilleparks.org beginning today. Comments may be sent to Shutes at eshutes@napervilleparks.org.