$800,000 facelift set for Aurora's Phillips Park

Aurora's Phillips Park West Entrance Improvement Plan is under way with this week's approval of $301,000 in construction bids.

In 2005 the park was identified as the city's second park improvement priority, right behind recently renovated McCarty Park on East New York Street.

With the McCarty Park work completed last summer, Parks and Recreation Director Jim Pilmer said the city will use a $400,000 state grant and the matching $400,000 from the city's capitol improvement budget to give Phillips Park's west entrance on Ashland Avenue an identity.

Work could begin as early as next week and will be completed by Aug. 1.

"Phillips Park is our premier park and the signature entrance has always been on Smith Boulevard from the north," Pilmer said. "But if you come in from the west on Ashland, you see the park, Mastodon Lake and flagpole but it's still pretty confusing as to where you actually are."

First up to be improved are the two softball fields used by the East Aurora High School Tomcats and other competitive leagues, with new lighting, fencing and concrete walkways.

"We need to get those ballparks done and running as soon as possible so we'll start there and move over toward the lake," Pilmer said, referencing the $43,000 spent for new boat docks in Mastodon Lake. "Once the parks are done though, we'll have two of the most sustainable ball fields in the area."

The next phase of bids to be approved include plans for a new water feature and splash pad similar to the one installed last summer at McCarty Park. Also included in the park plans are a skateboard park, new volleyball courts, increased parking, walking trail extensions and a large off-leash dog park.

The 325-acre Phillips Park currently includes a visitors center and Mastodon Gallery, the Phillips Park Zoo, the Phillips Park Golf Course, the Phillips Park Aquatic Center and several volleyball and tennis courts and a sledding hill.