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Des Plaines' renovated Bluett Park reopens

The Des Plaines Park District hosted residents of the Bluett Park neighborhood on Thursday, July 29, for the grand reopening of the renovated park and playground.

The Park It! event was the final one of a series the district holds each summer that includes a meet-and-greet with the executive director, games led by park district staff, and official openings of renovated playgrounds and amenities.

Bluett Park is at 1408 E. Thayer St. in Mount Prospect, and is within the Des Plaines Park District boundaries.

Following a public forum in February 2020, the park district produced drawings of the proposed renovations, received bids on new equipment, demolition and excavation of the current playground, and the construction of a new playground and amenities. Work was completed in late summer 2020.

"Our goal is always to provide a safe, modern, and unique play experience that will enhance the recreational opportunities in the neighborhood," said Executive Director Don Miletic. "Everyone in the Bluett Park neighborhood will benefit from the exciting advances in recreation design that have taken place over the last 15 years."

The renovated park now has a new playground with state-of-the-art features, a basketball half-court, and improved accessibility for families and kids with new sidewalks into and along the parkway.

This past winter, the park district installed one of its popular Nice Rinks, which provided residents with excellent ice skating and hockey for the first time in many years.

The Park It! was attended by approximately 25 residents, who enjoyed games, snacks and a raffle. Miletic talked about the renovations, telling everyone that the cost was $160,000. He also mentioned the park district had partnered with the Village of Mount Prospect, who owns the land around the park, to extend the public sidewalk along E. Thayer Street, which was a specific safety concern to residents at the 2020 forum.

The speech was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by park board Commissioners Erin Doerr and Jana Haas.

For information about parks, facilities, programs and events at the Des Plaines Park District, visit DPParks.org or call (847) 391-5700.

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