Naperville's Wolf's Crossing Community Park wins state award

On Jan. 28, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association presented to the Naperville Park District the 2021 Outstanding Park Award for Wolf's Crossing Community Park for Division II (Park Districts with operating budgets of $5 million or more).

The 33-acre park is the district's first large-scale park to be developed in one phase.

Following a thorough master planning process with extensive community input, the park district began construction of the park in 2019, completed most of the elements in fall 2020 and officially opened the park in May 2021.

The park was designed to provide opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities. Features include athletic fields and courts, a splash pad, a playground, a challenge course, a multipurpose hill, an ice skating area, picnic shelters, trails and nature areas.

Wolf's Crossing Community Park was funded, in part, by an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and was additionally supported by donations toward the Wolf's Crossing Pavilion and the Pull-Up Bars for Patriots memorial.

"We are honored to receive a state award for this park, which already has become one of the district's most visited parks," said Brad Wilson, currently director of recreation and facilities and recently named the district's next executive director as of Feb. 2.

"Every element of the park was designed and built to a high standard," added Director of Planning Eric Shutes. "We are excited to see so many people enjoying new features such as the splash pad and commenting to staff how much they appreciate having a beautiful park for the community."