Wheaton's Northside Park moves closer to renovations

Wheaton's Northside Park is inching closer to receiving renovations that were first discussed more than two decades ago.

The latest in the potential future changes to the park will be presented to the public Saturday as officials unveil new developments in the multimillion dollar project.

Among the topics expected to be discussed include the status of the current project, remaining permitting and engineering tasks, construction impacts and the dredging process. Changes to Northside Park would improve flood problems, enhance recreation programs and alter the park's landscape.

Improvements to the park have been long overdue. More than 25 years have passed since initial plans were crafted to revamp the park, but those changes never occurred.

Rob Sperl, Wheaton Park District's director of planning, said the district recently has applied for more than $510,000 in grants.

While it's difficult to forecast the price tag of the project, a worst-case scenario with dredging costs could push the project near $10 million, Sperl said.

Authorities say Saturday's meeting is expected to conclude with a look at long-term renovations at the park which may include revamping the park's warming shelter.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon next to the warming shelter in the park, which is located at 1299 N. West St.

Phil Luetkehans, the park district board's president, is expected to attend.