Naperville seeking ideas for Southwest Community Park

In a rapidly developing area near the far southwest reaches of Naperville are 33 acres set aside to be a park.

Whether it will be a park with soccer fields or cricket pitches, playgrounds or walking paths, all of the above or something else altogether is soon to be determined.

The park board has approved a $37,493 contract with an architecture firm to conduct a master planning process for the district's last-remaining large chunk of space, Southwest Community Park at 3252 Wolf's Crossing Road.

"This is the last 30 undeveloped acres that the park district has," said Eric Shutes, director of planning. "So what do you think it should be?"

Charles Vincent George Architects, Inc., the Naperville firm hired to handle the planning process, will ask that question during the next six months and help gather input about which recreational amenities residents want.

The contract represents the first of several planning steps that will take the 33-acre farm field from an agricultural site to a spot for sports and fitness, Shutes said.

Early ideas voiced by residents include a potential focus on trail connectivity to forest preserves and subdivisions and incorporating uses benefiting people of all ages and abilities.

Work to design Southwest Community Park comes as the district is updating its master and strategic plans after surveying residents about recreation needs earlier this year. It also comes as the city recently finished realigning Wolf's Crossing Road near 95th Street and building out another nearby street, Trumpet Avenue.

"It's just perfect timing," Shutes said, "to revisit this topic with the community and discuss the community's thoughts and needs."

Park board President Mike Reilly said now is the time to determine what to build.

"That area is starting to build out pretty significantly," Reilly said. "The past couple years has seen a dramatic change."

Once a concept for the park is defined, Shutes said the district will consult with architects and engineers to design specific amenities, set a budget and set a work schedule.