Woman's Club Seeks to Build 'Interpretive Park' Near I&M Canal

The Lemont Junior Woman's Club hopes to bring new life to the I&M Canal and Heritage Quarry area with the creation of an interpretive park and trailhead.

Representatives from the club were on hand at the meeting Monday night to present preliminary plans to the mayor and trustees.

The interpretive park would be located on the north bank of the I&M Canal, just east of Safety Village in downtown Lemont. As a trailhead of the canal and quarry area, the park would incorporate the area's history, geography and wildlife in a natural playscape for kids and families.

"The club has been looking for another large project (to take on)," said Lemont Police Sgt. Therese Thompson, the club's vice president of philanthrophy. "The park would feature interactive learning, highlighting the quarries and the canal and the history of the area."

In addition to creating a walkable play area for families, the park would also draw traffic into the downtown business district, Thompson said.

"If you haven't been to the quarries, you've missed a lot," Thompson said. "(The park) would bring a lot of people to the area to enjoy the wildlife and the trails, and also to spend time in our community. We think the downtown has big draw."

Woman's Club member Jennifer Splitt-Krull added: "This would be a beacon that could help businesses in the downtown area."

Potential elements of the park include a fossil display, wildlife footprint pad, arena seating and slides using the natural berm, a digging area and re-creation of a barge, trading post or Native American home for children to explore.

There would also be signage explaining the historical and geological facts unique to Lemont and the I&M Canal, Thompson said.

"We've already spoken to the to get their input on some exhibits and how we could make them interesting and historical for kids," Thompson said.

The Lemont Junior Woman's Club plans to cover costs through fundraisers, donations, grants and sponsorships from local businesses—much like they did for the Safety Village building.

Thompson said they hope to work with the Historical Society, , the village's Heritage Committee and other stakeholders as the embark on the planning process. They needed the approval of the mayor and trustees because the park is on village property.

Although the woman's club would be responsible for planning and construction, Thompson said they hope the village and park district will take on the park for upkeep and safety purposes.

"We hope that down the line the village will take the park under its umbrella," she said.

Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves and several of the trustees said they love the idea, but expressed concerns about future maintenance costs.

"In concept, I have no problem," Reaves said. "But from my point of view, it's a park. We struggle with this in subdivisions—new and existing ... especially when we talk about maintaining. I know from talking to (the park district) that they are fighting the same battles we fight on a daily basis.

"They're trying to cut, not incur more. We're trying to do the same thing with Public Works. It's not getting any better."

Park District Board President Pat Sexton and Vice President John Diorio were in attendance Monday, but did not participate in the discussion.

Reaves said the village board will have to formally vote on the park some time down the line, since construction would occur on village property. He gave the club permission to move forward with the concept, but asked that they meet with village staff and the park district to come up with a more comprehensive plan.

Thompson said she is confident the organization can get the park built in the next three years.

"The history of the Lemont Junior Woman's Club has shown that we can handle large and small projects," she said. "This is part of our mission statement, to develop Lemont."

Since its founding in 1993, the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club has provided financial and volunteer support to educational, civic and philanthropic efforts in Lemont. Members volunteer more than 7,000 hours and raise more than $30,000 each year to benefit the community.

Related stories:

• Woman's Club Awards $1,250 Scholarships to Recent High School Grads

• 'Denim Derby' Raises $10K for Lemont Junior Woman's Club

• Woman's Club Celebrates 'Make a Difference Day' by Providing Household Items to Families in Need

• Woman's Club Donates $9,000 to Local Elementary Schools

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