District 56, Gurnee parks team up to build new playground

The Gurnee Park District and Gurnee School District 56 hosted a ribbon-cutting event Sept. 14 to officially open the new playground at River Trail School.

The park and school districts partnered to install the new playground at River Trail School, and shared the budget equally.

"This event was a great example of collaborative government support - Representative Sheri Jesiel, Senator Terry Link, Gurnee Park District Board members and employees, as well as faculty and the board from School District 56 were present to celebrate this new playground. I cannot thank the project team enough for their work on this project," Gurnee Park District Executive Director Susie Kuruvilla said. "I have always believed we are stronger when we work together, and this project could not have demonstrated that better."

"We are fortunate to be able to host our CARE program in their building and utilize their playground," GPD Director of Parks and Planning Jeff Reinhard said. "It's great to be able to partner on such an impactful project and lend our playground expertise to River Trail School."

In April, Reinhard and River Trail Principal Jennifer Glickley met to discuss two different plans available for the new playground. Glickley shared the proposed plans with the school district and later that month received approval to proceed with the project.

"We are so grateful for our partnership with Gurnee Park District on our playground project. The River Trail students watched the playground being put together since the first day of school. Since River Trail is a kindergarten through eighth grade school, this larger, more age-appropriate playground will further enhance learning for our students by allowing them to be more active throughout the school day," Glickley said.

"It is great to see everyone come together to support the youth of Gurnee," Reinhard said.

For information on Gurnee Park District and other intergovernmental agreements, visit www.GurneeParkDistrict.com.