District Asks Residents To Choose Design For New Playground

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Eaton Preserve will undergo a renovation and the Plainfield Park District sent out a survey July 3, asking residents for inputs regarding the new playground.

The Plainfield Park District has been awarded a $400,000 park improvement grant from the State of Illinois on the basis of a plan that was presented to the community last summer. Funds from the Open Space Land Acquisition & Development grant will be used to complete a planned renovation of the district's 75-acre Eaton Preserve on West 135th St., which includes a picnic shelter, playground, and natural area.

The scope of the planned improvements includes upgrades to the park’s existing playground, picnic area, and shed. In addition, plans include improved site accessibility, and recreational and educational opportunities.

A play area will be added as well as space for picnics and games, two overlooks, and gathering area with pergola. A new feature highlighting the history of the park will be included near the foundation of a former barn and existing silo. Improvements are also planned for pathway connections to the park.

Jennifer Rooks-Lopez, director of Parks and Planning, said that the grant will help the Plainfield Park District continue its goal of making continuous improvements to its parks for residents.

"The planned improvements will allow us to enhance these natural and historical elements at Eaton Preserve while better serving residents of all ages and abilities who visit our parks," she said.

According to the survey, "the larger Eaton Preserve Renovation project will augment the historic and natural amenities already on site, improve accessibility throughout, and expand recreational and educational opportunities."

This survey focused on the play equipment design selection and gave residents seven options to choose from. The playground renovation will feature a farm and nature theme with an expanded play area and enhanced ADA access.

According to ADA, an accessible playground is one that offers a range of play experiences to children of varying abilities. There must be:

• An accessible path from the building or parking lot to the edge of the play area.
• An accessible path from the edge of the play area to the play equipment.

"We would typically conduct a public open house meeting to present the play equipment designs and gather resident feedback to select the final play equipment design," district officials said in the survey. "However, due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, we will be collecting your feedback online via this survey. This process has been used with great success for community park projects in the past, and is very effective."

The renovation project will proceed throughout 2020 and 2021.

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