Des Plaines residents paint 'peace' poles for refurbished park
As many as six "peace" poles will be designed and installed by residents at a south side Des Plaines park now undergoing renovations, park district officials said.
The painted wooden poles, some measuring as high as 12 feet, likely will be placed at two locations within Apache Park, 2100 Pine St., where more than $400,000 in improvements are being made. The city and park district are splitting the costs to install a walking/jogging path, picnic shelter, youth soccer field, community garden and more lighting.
In hopes of encouraging more citizen involvement in the park and community, park district officials are inviting residents to design and paint the poles.
"People will have some ownership of the artwork in the park," said Don Miletic, the park district's executive director. "It's something pleasant and nice to fit the area."
The park district, in partnership with the Des Plaines Arts Council, has several painting sessions scheduled at the Lake Park Clubhouse through March. Those who would like to participate are asked to call (847) 391-5700 to sign up.
Participants are asked first to create a design on paper and have it approved by an art project coordinator at the clubhouse. Then, they can start painting on one of the poles, in an area no more than 5½ inches wide and 8½ inches tall.
As the theme of the art is meant to be peace, designs might include flowers, handprints or words, said Linda Traina, the park district's superintendent of recreation.
"What's on them is going to be up to the people who paint them," she said. "We'll provide the paint and brushes."
The next painting session is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. Other dates can be found at desplainesparks.org.
The park renovation project, expected to be complete by May, is moving ahead despite the absence of a $251,000 state grant suspended a year ago. Park and city officials decided last September to pony up more of their funds for the project, while also agreeing to scale back plans for a splash pad.