Batavia Park District hosts community meeting April 13 for Blackard Skate-n-Bike Park

The Batavia Park District will host a community input meeting to obtain ideas for new equipment and site amenities for the Blackard Skate-n-Bike Park, which is part of the Clark Island Recreation Area.

The meeting is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at the Clark Island Pavilion. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

"In 2001, when we first started the planning process for the original skate and bike park, youth of all ages showed up to help design the park and select their favorite equipment. Here we are in 2022, and we are eager and ready for feedback from the public to create an innovative outdoor fitness experience for residents and visitors of all ages," said Allison Niemela, Batavia Park District executive director. "We are inviting anyone who wants to help us choose new skate, bike and challenge course structures so we can meet a variety of communitywide recreation needs."

Industry experts from Upland Design Ltd. will share several design concepts for the park, answer questions and solicit residents' feedback and ideas.

One design being considered for the Blackard Skate-n-Bike Park is a ninja challenge course that offers residents a flexible, full-body workout space, with activities aimed to improve agility, balance and perseverance. Ninja courses promote well-being and human connection. They are great for individuals, groups or teams seeking to build camaraderie, strength and endurance.

"Naperville and Schaumburg park districts offer a ninja warrior course, similar to the TV show 'American Ninja Warrior.' This type of circuit course is great for people training with interval fitness programs," Niemela said.

The Batavia Park District intends to apply for an OSLAD grant this year that will be announced the following year if it is awarded.

Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program is a state-financed, matching grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public outdoor recreation areas.

For more information on Batavia Park District's programs and events, call (630) 879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.