Des Plaines Park District To Celebrate Centennial with New Park Opening

The new Centennial Park, 1395 Oakwood Ave. in Des Plaines, will be inaugurated this coming July Fourth as a part of the Des Plaines Park District's 100 year celebration. The festivities at the new park will commence after the City of Des Plaines Independence Day Parade. The Park District float will lead this year's parade with District Executive Director Don Miletic, Park Board President Jana Haas, Commissioners William Yates, James Grady, and Donald Rosedale serving as joint official grand marshals.

State Senator Laura Murphy will read a proclamation for the 100th birthday of the Park District followed by the official ribbon-cutting that will include Park District Commissioners, employees, and area residents. State Representative Marty Moylan will be in attendance providing his annual Fourth of July free hotdog lunch. Employees of the District will be on-hand at the celebration with fun games, a climbing wall, and 100-year giveaways.

There will be an unveiling of the commemorative site where the 100-year time capsule is buried. The capsule, which was a donation from Graham Hills, has been filled with memorabilia and photos from the Park District's past and present. A commemorative plague and boulder will mark the location of the capsule in the center of the park. Plans are in place to have it dug up and opened on the 150th anniversary of the District in the year 2069.

Centennial Park is one of three new parks to be opened in Des Plaines since 2014. This park has been made possible by federal, city, and district funds. Park District Special Projects team installed the fitness and playground equipment, while the landscaping crew assisted in final touches providing plant life which will enhance this neighborhood. One unique feature is a 75-foot-long zip line, one of the first of its kind in the northwest suburbs.

"We wanted to create something special at this new location," said Paul Cathey, Deputy Director of the Park District, "and we are excited for the community to experience the new Centennial Park for decades to come."

The public is invited to celebrate this special anniversary of the Des Plaines Park District.

More information about facilities, parks, programs and events is always available at DPParks.org.