Lake Ellyn Park getting new playground

Lake Ellyn Park is getting new playground equipment. And the equipment that's been in the park since it was installed in 1991 is going to a new home.

The playground replacement program is part of Phase III of the Lake Ellyn Park improvement project. Work began last week on the playground upgrade.

Kids Around the World, a nonprofit organization, is removing the old equipment, refurbishing it and reinstalling it in a community where children are affected by adverse conditions such as war, poverty, disease and natural disaster.

The charitable organization, headquartered in Rockford, was founded in 1994 and has delivered recycled and new playground equipment to children in more than 60 countries worldwide. The organization also provides meals and classroom lessons for children.

The new equipment is due to arrive in Lake Ellyn Park this spring.

Other improvements planned for Lake Ellyn and Lake Ellyn Park this spring and summer include:

• The installation of plant plugs to increase plant diversity and the installation of wood chip paths within the natural area;

• Completion of the installation of small vegetative islands near inlets to filter and cleanse incoming stormwater;

• The installation of a fishing pier on the northwest corner of the lake;

• Installation of L.E.D. pathway lights, park benches, picnic tables, playground tables, bike racks, and trash and recycling receptacles; and

• Installation of wayfinding and interpretive signage.

Upgrades for Lake Ellyn Park and the Boathouse were initiated by the park board after the park's upkeep was identified as a top priority by the 2012 Community Attitude and Interest Survey. Funding for the improvements is generated through operating surplus, non-referendum bonds, grants and donations.

For information about the Glen Ellyn Park District, visit gepark.org.