Playground, walking path and other upgrades planned for Riverside Park in Libertyville

A recently approved master plan calls for upgrades to a neighborhood park along the Des Plaines River in Libertyville.

Anticipated work at Riverside Park calls for a refresh of some elements and introduction of new ones, including a connection to Red Top park to the south.

The estimated $1.1 million project calls for an updated playground for 2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds; walking paths with fitness stations; a dedicated fishing area along the river; pollinator garden; and, updated ball fields.

“I call it a true neighborhood park,” said village Trustee Pete Garrity, who chairs the village board’s parks and recreation committee. “For this go around, we’re essentially looking at a refresh (and) upgrade.”

A soccer field, four tennis courts, two baseball/softball fields and an outdoor pool are other features of the park.

A nine-hole, village-run golf course operated for years on the southern portion of the park site. But it has been closed for more than a decade and is used as passive open space.

That area was not included in the master plan to avoid adding complexity to the state grant application but the plan is expected to be updated this year.

Riverside is the latest in a series of ongoing park improvements that began in 2018 when the village adopted a document to guide planning for all village parks through 2034.

Garrity said the premise of the 2018 parks master plan is “to make sure all residents in the village have access to decent amenities.”

Ashley Engelmann, deputy village administrator, said the nearly 700 responses received during the Riverside master plan process was one of the largest for a village survey.

Key themes included a desire for fitness loops and trails, improved connectivity, a new playground and preservation of natural areas, according to village records.

The Riverside master plan was developed to support the village's application for a state Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant, which provides up to 50% in funding to acquire or develop public outdoor recreation areas.

The village board this week pledged funds for the grant application, which is due by Aug. 30, Engelmann said.

The annual grants are announced in spring. If Libertyville is approved, the village will be responsible for a match of at least $473,725 of the total cost of the project, which would have to be completed within two years of being awarded.

Either way, improvements are planned for Riverside.

“Our capital plan includes funds in the upcoming fiscal years to do a project there,” Engelmann added.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com