Town Hall Set, Park District Seeks Input On Fort Frankfort Plans

FRANKFORT, IL — The Frankfort Park District and Sen. Michael Hastings this week will host a town hall to gather input on renovations to the Fort Frankfort playground.

The renovations will be made possible by a $1.75 million in state funding secured by Hastings in 2023. The updated playground will be designed to provide an inclusive play space for the community, officials have said.

The playground is 24 years old and has been in dire need of repairs, Park District officials have said. The repairs were made possible in large part due to the funding from the state.

"The funding will allow for the park to be an inclusive playground taking away the physical and social barriers, creating equitable play for all," the Park District said on its website.

"Fort Frankfort playground is special! The Frankfort community funded and with their own hands constructed the playground. The Park District is looking to honor the past and preserve the vision of the residents and efforts invested in the Fort Frankfort Playground.

Executive Director Gina Hassett said the playground was first constructed in 1997, and has been on the "long list of deferred capital projects" for the park district.
In the past two years, Hastings has also secured $750,000 for a splash pad and Lincoln Meadow Park improvements, and $175,000 in OSLAD funding for Windy Hill playground.

"The funding Senator Hastings has allocated to the Frankfort Park District has helped with additional funds outside of our levy to fill the gaps in the district’s budget allowing us to update recreation facilities for our residents," Hassett said.

When it was first constructed, the funds for Fort Frankfort were raised by residents via the Operation Playground Foundation, and volunteers also helped physically build the structure. The Foundation has also continued to maintain the Fort, and has worked to raise more funds for various upgrades through the past two decades.

The town hall meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Founders Community Center, 140 Oak St.

Residents can also provide feedback on conceptual designs through the Frankfort Park District’s website and social media pages, or by emailing GHassett@frankfortparks.org.