Algonquin OKs plan to improve Willoughby Farms Park

Algonquin officials have settled on a plan to refurbish Willoughby Farms Park.

The village board Tuesday adopted a master plan for the 12-acre community park at 2001 Wynnfield Drive.

According to a news release from the village, many of the park’s amenities needed to be replaced as they reached the end of their useful life. The park was built in 1996.

The village plans to install four pickleball courts; a nature-themed play area and zip line; a plaza with interactive water features; a restroom building; a shaded pergola with swings; a multi-use sports court where people can play basketball, badminton and futsal; expanded parking; new native planting areas; fishing stations; and boardwalk access to a pond.

Currently, the park has a playground, a baseball diamond, a basketball court and tennis/pickleball courts.

In addition, the village also plans to improve drainage and deal with a deteriorating retaining wall.

The village estimates the work will cost about $4.8 million.

According to a village board memo, it will use about $1.26 million in Algonquin Meadows development impact fees and a $600,000 grant from the state to pay for part of the work.

“This plan represents a shared vision shaped by robust community engagement,” Village President Debby Sosine said in a news release.

The planning process started in October 2024. It included community open houses, online surveys, student brainstorming sessions at Westfield Community School, and targeted focus groups.

The village plans to do the work in phases.

According to a 2021 analysis and master plan for all the village’s parks, users gave Willoughby Farms Park a score of 39 out of 90 possible points for satisfaction.

Several commenters said the park was in disrepair, did not have many amenities, and needed better maintenance. In a letter to the village, a tennis player reported that the asphalt courts were in poor condition and that people were using them to play soccer and as a de facto dog park.