Improvements continue at Naperville’s Meadow Glens Park

New recreation amenities and improvements at Naperville Park District’s Meadow Glens Park, 1101 Muirhead Ave., now are visible as work at the site continues this fall.

One of the new features of the project is a .6-mile multi-use loop trail with fitness stations. The trail is being funded in part by a $20,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with support from state Rep. Michael Connelly of Lisle. The grant was authorized as part of the 2009 Illinois Jobs Now! capital bill.

The project also is supported by a $400,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Other improvements include a restroom building and drinking fountain; a nature playground and family recreation area with bag toss equipment, benches and a picnic shelter; a winter skating area; prairie restoration; and renovations to the ball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts and parking lot.

“We are grateful for grant support for this large project,” Executive Director Ray McGury said. “Grants enable us to add a variety of elements to the park to meet the diverse needs of our residents.”

Residents who attended an earlier open house told park district officials they valued ball fields and basketball courts, but also wanted alternative activities available for their children, such as winter skating and opportunities for creative play.

While construction will be substantially complete by December, restoration of the turf will be extended through late spring or early summer.

The park district plans to sponsor a community celebration of the reopening of Meadow Glens Park in the spring.

To view the site plan and project updates for the renovation or to learn more about the park district, visit napervilleparks.org. The Meadow Glens Park project information can be accessed directly at napervilleparks.org/parks/meadow-glens.