Paulus Park spray ground won't open this year

Lake Zurich's much touted water spray ground at Paulus Park that was supposed to debut this spring won't be ready until next beach season, a park official said Friday.

Delays in getting a state permit for construction to start and recent rains muddying the work area prolonged the project's completion.

Paulus Park beach closes Labor Day weekend. Since the spray ground is inside the newly fenced-off beach area, it won't be accessible after that date, said Mike Perkins, Lake Zurich park and recreation director.

Crews recently poured concrete for the spray ground area but it needs time to cure, he said.

Once it cures, a rubber surface must be added before all the assembled pieces of the spray ground can be installed. Right now, workers are installing new benches and garbage cans for the spray area.

"It's just unfortunate that we didn't have the spray ground open to the public (this season)," Perkins said.

A grand opening ceremony for the spray ground is planned for Memorial Day weekend to coincide with the start of beach season.

The spray ground is part of roughly $800,000 in improvements at the park this year, partly funded through a $400,000 state grant. That includes the now completed bocce ball courts, and horseshoe pits under construction.

Other improvements include sand-play equipment for the beach area, fishing areas along the lake, a lake overlook, lake restoration, a new pathway, fence along the Route 12 perimeter of the park, a new fence around the beach area with a gate and lifeguard station. The entire project should be completed this fall, Perkins said.