Country Lakes playground reopens with more inclusive features
Naperville Park District is preparing to reopen its Country Lakes Park playground on the city's northwest side.
A dedication ceremony for the revamped playground in the 30-acre park is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 736 Genesee Drive. Following remarks by park leaders and a ribbon-cutting, kids will be able to try out the new equipment, which is designed for inclusive play.
In the case of inclement weather, the celebration will be pushed back a day. Residents can check the weather cancellations tab at napervilleparks.org for the latest updates.
In addition to the renovated playground, Country Lakes Park features a ball field, a multiuse trail, a sled hill, basketball courts, an open field, a wetland area and a parking lot.
The park initially was developed in 2003 and 2004 with the assistance of a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The 13,000-square-foot playground is one of the park district's largest. But last year, park staff members noticed the rubberized surfacing needed to be replaced and the equipment was showing signs of wear and tear.
Plans were developed to renovate the playground, with construction taking place this summer.
The renovation of the playground at Country Lakes Park was supported, in part, by a $60,000 Healthy Play Action Grant from GameTime, awarded in partnership with its parent company, PlayCore, and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
Staff members from Western DuPage Special Recreation Association will be on site during the playground celebration with activities and ideas for cooperative and inclusive play, demonstrating ways to use some of the features of the new play pieces.
The equipment was chosen based on seven principles of inclusive playground design, identified by PlayCore and Utah State University from research in child development. The play environment is designed to be:
• Fair - allowing everyone to participate equitably with siblings, caregivers and friends.
• Inclusive - supporting participation of individuals of diverse abilities and ages.
• Easy to understand - allowing kids to be successful and gain confidence through play.
• Promote independence - supporting play at each developmental level and in multiple sensory modes.
• Safe - following current safety standards yet allowing kids to take appropriate risks.
• Active - supporting active participation in physical and social play.
• Comfortable - usable for individuals with diverse sensory needs, body size, posture, mobility and motor control.
"The arch swing is a great example of the features at the new Country Lakes playground that promote inclusive play," said Jessica Burgdorf, project manager. "Children can sit around the perimeter of the seat or lie across the center section and enjoy the calming motion of the swing."
If you go
What: Playground reopening
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6
Where: Country Lakes Park, 737 Genesee Drive, Naperville
Cost: Free
Info: napervilleparks.org