New adventure play structure to be installed at Blackberry Farm
The future is about to arrive at historic Blackberry Farm in Aurora with construction of an innovative adventure play structure expected to be complete by September.
The customized play structure will feature an extensive network of climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels.
“This adventure playground will be a premier attraction,” said Jeff Palmquist, director of planning, development and grants. “It’s an exciting project that will stand as the pinnacle of the Phase I improvement plan to give Blackberry Farm a modern makeover.”
On March 12, the Fox Valley Park District board of trustees awarded a $793,020 contract to R.C. Wegman Construction Company of Aurora and Daniels Wood Land Inc. of Paso Robles, Calif., for final design and construction services.
Palmquist said the elaborate play structure will appeal to children of all ages while providing a one-of-a-kind experience through education, history and physical fun.
“Most children have never experienced something like this,” Palmquist said. “It is a unique combination of interactive features; a hands-on farm museum integrated into a custom play structure where children go from deck-to-deck answering questions and learning about the history of pioneer life.”
The project highlights an all-encompassing master plan at 43-year-old Blackberry Farm that also includes a new, 2,500-square-foot picnic shelter that will serve as a performance stage for live entertainment. A new restroom building will be constructed near the performance shelter. Nearby, on the shore of Lake Gregory, a boathouse shelter/pavilion and dock will be built to accommodate paddle boats.
The master plan for Blackberry Farm was created through a process that included extensive staff input, user surveys and a series of open house forums to gather public feedback.
The play structure will be created and constructed in California, then disassembled and shipped to Blackberry Farm for R.C. Wegman to install. Daniels Wood Land has worked for numerous high-profile clients, including Walt Disney Pictures, Universal, ABC (“Extreme Makeover Home Edition” and “Good Morning America”), the Bellagio Las Vegas and the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Rated among Aurora’s top five tourist destinations, Blackberry Farm attracts nearly 50,000 visitors on an annual basis.
The adventure play structure project is part of the district’s 2008 Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment plan that utilizes referendum funds for community park improvements.