Stop Signs Will Keep Kids & Families Safe At New Des Plaines Park

Ever since Centennial Park opened on the corner of Center Street and Oakwood Avenue, residents have been calling the park district asking for stop signs to be installed. "Our parks & maintenance staff have seen it, residents tell me they've seen it, and I've seen it for myself several times," said Jana Haas, President of the Park Board of Commissioners. "Cars have been driving past the park, going north and south on Center Street, at 30 miles an hour without seeing kids trying to cross the street on their way to and from the park."

After three years of planning and construction, Centennial Park opened on July 4, 2019, and immediately became a favorite destination for local families and kids. "We've known that this area of town needed a park for quite some time," said Don Miletic, Executive Director of the park district, "and the unique features we were able to incorporate have made Centennial one of the most modern parks in the area." Residents had attended several open forums to approve the district's plan to apply for an OSLAD Grant to purchase the vacant property, and they provided a great deal of input on the amenities they wanted.

It became apparent to the residents from opening day that the speed and amount of traffic was going to be a safety issue. After hearing from the community, Haas and the Park Board brought the matter to the City Council. "When Ms. Haas came to the council meeting and presented the district's concerns, it was clear that this was important and needed to be acted on promptly" said Second Ward Alderman Colt Moylan, "and the vote to approve putting the signs in place was unanimous." He continued, "When the city, the park district, and residents all work together, good things can happen quickly."

"We're so thankful to Alderman Moylan, the City Council, and City staff for responding to the safety concerns of the community," said Haas. "We can design and build safety features into our parks, but we need the city to take care of safety on the streets, and they came through for us in a big way."

Centennial Park has playgrounds designed for two ages groups, 2-5 and 5-12, open space, a gazebo, walking paths, and the first zip line in Des Plaines. "The zip line is designed for kids, but we've seen moms and dads enjoying the ride, too", said Miletic. In addition to the unique play features, Centennial is home to the park district's Time Capsule which was dedicated on July 4. It's scheduled to be opened in 50 years. Mark your calendars.