Fox Valley starts two park projects

The Fox Valley Park District has given the green light to two park projects, with the park board this month approving bids for new playground equipment at Meadow Lake and development of a new park in the Randall Highlands subdivision in North Aurora.

George's Landscaping Inc. was awarded a $152,888 bid for renovations at Meadow Lake, a 10.6-acre neighborhood park located near the intersection of Route 59 and Montgomery Road.

George's Landscaping was also awarded a $175,102 bid for park construction at Randall Highlands, a 5.29-acre undeveloped site near the intersection of Orchard and Randall roads.

For both projects, the park district purchased the playground equipment directly through the national purchasing cooperative to receive the greatest possible discount, with the purchase price of $84,349 for Meadow Lake and $69,839 for Randall Highlands.

Meadow Lake Park is a "walk-to" neighborhood park surrounded primarily by single-family homes. It features a 4-acre lake, full-court basketball area and an 18-year-old playground that has reached the end of its life cycle.

The new playground will designate separate play areas for children ages 2 to 5 and children ages 5 to 12, in keeping with best playground design and safety practices. Guided by resident input and feedback, the playground design includes modular play structures that have proved popular in other district park projects.

Resurfacing of the asphalt basketball court, new backboards and hoops, and additional shade tree plantings are part of the plan as well.

Randall Highlands will have similar, age-specific playground areas and a large, open free-play area for informal games and exercise. Surrounded by townhouses and single-family homes, the park site is accessible by asphalt trails from three directions, providing safe entry for neighbors. Eight parking spaces are available as well.

Through the bidding and purchasing process, both projects came in under budget. Completion is expected in late October.