Some field turf to be removed, making way for foundations of new Rosemont salt dome
Crews will be peeling back recently-installed synthetic field turf near the Barry Street Recreational Center in Rosemont to provide space for a new village salt storage dome.
The new 61-foot diameter dome at 7048 Barry St. is replacing the aging Rosemont salt facility that had its back wall collapse over the winter when crews tried to pack it with too much salt. It will have enough room for a year's worth of salt.
The 1.3-acre artificial field was installed last year between the salt facility and rec center. That $624,000 project was to be partially funded by a $176,000 state Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant, but all such grants were suspended after Gov. Bruce Rauner took office.
To date, the village has paid for the entirety of the turf field project, though Mayor Brad Stephens hopes the state grant eventually comes through.
The turf being peeled back to make way for the dome eventually will be replaced.
On the south side of the field, a concrete block wall is being installed that will connect the new salt dome and village public works facility. Local students and Chicago artist Rahmaan Statik Barnes will be painting a sports-themed mural this summer on the sides of the buildings and connecting wall.
The village is paying $324,780 for the new salt dome and wall, and $43,750 to remove and replace the field turf.
The work is expected to be complete by fall.