First Look: New Playground to Open at Jaycee Park in May

The  broke ground Tuesday on a new and improved .

The park—built in 1983 by the Lemont Jaycees—was drastically changed in the fall of 2009 when park district officials voted to remove the deteriorating wooden playground equipment. At the time, it was decided that it was not financially feasible to make the necessary improvements to the equipment, which was not compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act.

Since then, the park—located at 1125 Glenys Drive, two blocks north 127th Street—has existed with only a picnic shelter and an open, grassy field.

Last fall, however, officials began meeting with a group of area residents about restoring the park, and plans moved forward for a new playground.

Lemont Park District spokesperson Carrie Dellamano said commissioners formally approved the project last month. The cost will be approximately $89,000, which includes bringing the park up to ADA standards, she said.

“Not only will the new Jaycee Park be compliant with the latest ADA guidelines, it will also be aesthetically pleasing to the eye," said Louise Egofske, executive director of the Lemont Park District. 

"The District looks forward to many residents enjoying the park for years to come," she said.

Construction of the new playground is expected to be completed by the end of May, Dellamano said.

Park district officials said in a press release that they are grateful to the neighbors who have worked with them on restoring Jaycee Park.

“I want to thank the very patient group of neighboring residents who stood by us as we worked through the many challenging obstacles of this unique location,” said Pat Sexton, president of the Lemont Park District Board of Commissioners.

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