Park District Receives Grant To Develop Creekside Crossing South

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Park District will develop Creekside Crossing South thanks to a $260,000 matching grant from the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development, officials said Wednesday.

The goal of the 5.7-acre Creekside Crossing South development is to provide interesting recreational activities for the Plainfield Park District's southwest region. The site is part of a housing development, which stalled after 2008 but was restarted in recent years on the south side of Renwick Road. Officials said the park site is needed for the area's new residents.

OSLAD grants provide up to half of a project's required funding, with the rest coming from the Plainfield Park District's capital and special recreation funds.

"We're thankful for the opportunity to develop this neighborhood park," Plainfield Park District Executive Director Carlo Capalbo said in a statement. "We're always trying to find ways to enhance recreation opportunities in the District, and this state grant is a fantastic way to help make that happen."

The project features the following elements, which will meet or exceed accessibility guidelines.

• Playground structures for ages 2-5 and 5-12
• Shelter
• Picnic tables
• Benches
• Discgolf (three holes)
• Outdoor game area
• Court play area
• Open play area
• Seating area with pollinator garden
• Fitness pod
• Walking trail

The community gave feedback on the project's features at a public meeting held Aug. 16, 2023. The park district also sent an online survey to a local homeowners' association and received 137 responses.

"The Park District will be conducting additional public input for the playground equipment and play court designs at a time and place yet to be determined," officials said.