Fort Frankfort Playground To Close In December Ahead Of Construction

FRANKFORT, IL — The Fort Frankfort playground at Commissioners Park will close in early December as the playground is set to be replaced, according to a release from the Frankfort Park District.

The site plan for the new playground has been approved, and construction is scheduled to start in February, the park district said. The replacement project is funded by a $1.7 million DCEO grant from the state, which was secured by State Senator Michael Hastings.

"The Park District prefers to wait to remove playgrounds right before construction; however, there are elements the District plans to salvage that necessitate time to accomplish the
process," Executive Director Gina Hassett said in a release.

The existing Fort Frankfort playground is 25 years old. Funding for the original playground included contributions raised through the sale of commemorative fence pickets and bricks, which are installed in the park, according to the release.

The Park District intends to salvage and inventory these items, and at a later date, will provide families who donated with the opportunity to collect their commemorative items. The salvage process will be completed before the onset of severe winter weather; which is why the playground will be closed in December ahead of construction.

Those interested in collecting commemorative items should contact the Park District at info@frankfortparks.org to be added to the contact list, the park district said.

The design of the new “Fort” playground pays tribute to the “Fort” and includes inclusive play amenities, the park district said. The new playground will feature two play structures: one for ages 2-5 and another for ages 5-12, equipped with rubber surfacing to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

"The surfacing is crucial, as the previous wood mulch limited access and did not facilitate
inclusive play," Hassett said in a release.

The playground will also include various equipment such as an inclusive orbit, a musical ensemble, multiple swings, a climbing web and two new shelters.