Ninja course and more planned as part of $2.1 million in Grosse Pointe Park improvements
A multifaceted $2.1 million improvement project at the heavily used Grosse Pointe Park in Vernon Hills is set to begin.
Vernon Hills Park District commissioners recently approved a bid for renovations at what is considered a large community park featuring a number of amenities on the southwest side of town.
As the 37-acre park appeals to a variety of users and is well-used, park district commissioners made upgrades a priority, explained Matt LaPorte, executive director.
In the past, minor improvements such as adding a playground near the ball fields in 2015 and a new playground for tots on the western end of the park in 2023, were made, he said.
“The purpose of the renovation is to add amenities and improve some existing conditions,” he said of the pending work, set to begin in March or when the weather breaks and be completed by December.
Upgrades included regrading three ball fields, replacing the dugouts and installing a netting system for improved player and spectator safety.
The park restroom will be heated and insulated for year-round use and the existing shelter will be replaced to provide a larger space for group picnics and gatherings, according to the plans.
Also, a playground for 5 to 12 year olds will be replaced with a ninja training course geared to older youth and teens, LaPorte said.
The plan also calls for expanding a walking path to create a loop throughout the park with added fitness stations and installing a rain garden with interpretive signage.
The low bid of $1.8 million from D & J Landscape Inc. in Shorewood was withdrawn by the company citing multiple errors in its bid.
With that, the work, including additions for new black vinyl-coated fencing, sealcoating an existing path and netting-related improvements, was awarded to Copenhaver Construction Inc. of Gilberts for about $2.098 million.
Grosse Pointe was established in 1991 and expanded several times including a 21-acre addition in 2000 using an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Public meetings in April 2024 showed the community wanted improved walking paths and fitness options and “engaging and interactive recreation for teenagers,” according to district documents.
A master plan was finalized and approved by the board in June 2024
In late 2024, the district learned it would be receiving a $600,000 OSLAD grant for “significant enhancements” at Grosse Pointe Park, 900 Grosse Pointe Blvd. Grant amounts must be matched by recipients.