
Elmhurst Park Board OKs master plan for Crestview Park
The plan was developed as part of the Park District's 2025 Strategic Work Plan and builds on the momentum from the November 2024 voter-approved bond referendum.
District staff proposed a comprehensive planning process for Crestview Park, 245 Crestview Ave., to ensure a holistic vision for the park, officials said in a news release. They said the timing of the Master Plan is also influenced by the construction of the new Wagner Community Center, which is expected to last through fall 2027. During that time, the existing recreation building at Crestview Park will temporarily host Park District programs before its eventual demolition.
That process also included an initial open house in March, where community members provided input on the park's existing amenities and potential new features. Two park-wide and playground concepts were shared during a second open house in May, and officials also collected input via an online survey.
Among the other features outlined in the Master Plan are more walking paths forming a loop through the entire park, shaded sport court entry area with seating, sled hill improvements including stairs, a 'nature exploration zone,' and a woodland garden with elevated boardwalk. The final Master Plan can be viewed at epd.org.
The implementation of the Master Plan is anticipated to begin in 2026 with the new playground, permanent restroom, a shelter, and the shaded sport court entry area. Subsequent phases in future years will include the demolition of the old parking lot and recreation building and the development of other new features presented in the Master Plan.
'Elmhurst Park District looks forward to beginning the transformation of Crestview Park into a multi-use destination which serves visitors of all ages and abilities for years to come,' the release from district officials stated.

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Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: A wonderful imagined future for Chicago's Grant Park. Now, who pays?
Back in 2016, then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel wanted to separate bikes from pedestrians on this city's beautiful Lakefront Trail, so as to alleviate cyclists, joggers and walkers from getting into each other's way. He called up Citadel's Ken Griffin and Griffin immediately came through with a $12 million donation. That got the job done fast (especially by today's standards) and the trail became both safer and more enjoyable for all. We thought of that moment when we read the Chicago Park District's fascinating new framework plan for the future of Grant Park, the 376-acre verdant space that sits betwixt the majestic buildings of the Loop and our epic Lake Michigan and that dates back to the city's founding. Grant Park, of course, also is the site of many of this city's major festivals and special events, including Lollapalooza and many others. But in recent years, it is has not received the attention or the investment enjoyed by Millennium Park, the culturally focused campus immediately to its north. Grant Park, dissected by roads, generally lacks cohesion. And, frankly, it lacks a . There's a lot to like in the Park District's ideas for improving Grant Park (some of which have been around for a while). They include designating Monroe Street, Jackson Drive, Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive as so-called 'park streets,' and/or 'park boulevards,' with bike lanes, planted medians, shady seating and street parking, all designed to encourage people to walk down what currently are broad, intimidating, do-not-linger roadways. The Park District imagines trolleys on Columbus (although we'd note that we don't even currently have a trolley to the massive attraction that is Navy Pier, a higher priority). Beyond that, the plan calls for more concessions and public art, better lighting, new trees and landscaping, and more seating throughout the park's acreage. All good ideas. Simply put, the Park District wants to make Grant Park more like the great urban parks in other storied cities like Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York. All of that can be done, the plan implies, while still allowing the southern section of the park to host festivals, which have become vital economic generators. We are particularly fond of the plans to better connect the park to the lakefront. The plan proposes a new footbridge from Maggie Daley Park over DuSable Lake Shore Drive to what presently is an underutilized hilly area, thus creating an Instagramable lookout spot. A little south, the plan suggests, DuSable Lake Shore Drive could be decked over (the plan uses the terms 'sinking and capping') so as to allow people visiting Buckingham Fountain, long one of the city's premier attractions, to be able to walk directly at the same gradient to the Queen's Landing at the lake without dodging multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. That would be transformative, even if the decking was not all that broad. Better yet, the Park District says Queen's Landing itself could be expanded in all directions with new terracing and a new water taxi stop. Add in new concessions and this could make the area as appealing as the so-called Ledge, a waterfront draw for teenagers in Lincoln Park to the north. If that expansion of lakeside public space went sufficiently far south it could then seamlessly connect to the Shedd Aquarium, which is currently in the midst of a major expansion, including a new entry pavilion and garden. Anyone paying attention can see that it's the southern section of the Loop (roughly south of Madison Street) that has struggled the most in terms of a pandemic recovery, and Grant Park's footprint, which goes all the way down to Roosevelt Road, would be an asset for the businesses immediately to its west, especially if lovers of The Bean could be drawn south by comparably successful public art projects. And the more people who are in the park, the safer those folks feel. If you think about it, working on the intersection of Grant Park and Lake Michigan is a logical step to take now because it would better connect Navy Pier (and its new marina for transient boats) with the Museum Campus by ameliorating what's basically a no-go area in the middle where Lake Shore Drive is so close to the lake that pedestrians feel squeezed. Many cities, of course, are rediscovering their waterfronts; Chicago never had that problem, thanks to our forebears, but we still can improve how people visit and stroll aside the shimmering waters. Plus, lest oldsters forget, Buckingham Fountain is . Wedding parties love it. And this is a city that could do to step up its appeal in that regard. A two-pack of fountain and lake, hand in hand, sounds good to us. Of course, duty calls, so we also have to take off our rose-colored glasses and ask the unpleasant question of who might pay for all of these great ideas. 'Sinking and capping' is not cheap. Neither is building and expanding terraces. We doubt the Park District could handle this on its own. So if any of our remaining billionaires, a shrunken crew, are reading this, how about it? By stepping up you might even remind the current city administration of your great value to our town.


Chicago Tribune
28-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Officials eye fall opening of Fort Frankfort conversion
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Hamilton Spectator
25-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Essex, Amherstburg officially open Co-An Park's new playground
As co-owners of the 40-acre Co-An Park in McGregor, Essex and Amherstburg jointly worked on a Master Plan for over two-years to map out a multi-year document to help guide future development of the park. That Master Plan was adopted by both municipal Councils last year. One of the outcomes of the Master Plan was to add a playground to the outdoor sports facility. After further collaboration between both municipalities, that playground has been installed. A ribbon cutting was hosted last Friday afternoon. 'Today is really exciting,' Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said, while youths sat atop the slide, ready to head down to the bottom. Most importantly, the ribbon cutting was exciting for the families and children, who now get to enjoy the new playground facility. The new playground replaces an existing structure that was smaller and older. Staff and Council members of both municipalities, in addition to members of the Co-An Park Advisory Committee and the Town of Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee, took part in the ribbon cutting on Friday afternoon, officially opening the new playground. They all had a hand in developing the Master Plan. Bondy called it a 'bold plan that outlines thoughtful future improvements to this beloved park,' while prioritizing accessibility, inclusivity, recreation, and bringing people together. As part of developing the Master Plan, a public survey highlighted the desire to add a playground and splashpad, with administration noting previously that adding the latter feature will be more complex. 'This project is a true example of collaboration and action. Funded equally by the Town of Essex and the Town of Amherstburg, it reflects what we can do when we work together to accomplish a shared vision for our communities,' Bondy said. Adding the playground, Bondy commented, is one of the first steps in the implementation of action items set out in the Co-An Park Master Plan. She thanked the members of the Co-An Park Advisory Committee and the Town of Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee for their input and guidance. She also extended appreciation to New World Playground Solutions for providing the playground's design. In selecting the playground design, three companies, with each providing two designs, submitted to the process. Four of the six designs were ranked high enough to qualify for the public feedback portion. To obtain public input the Town of Essex held a two-week virtual vote in February, allowing the public to review and rank the four designs. Back in March, Essex Council awarded the Request for Proposal to design, supply, and install the playground equipment for Co-An Park to New World Park Solutions Inc in the amount of $389,791, with half of the cost coming from Amherstburg. That was after Essex put $200,000 aside for the playground. So too did Amherstburg. 'This playground is more than just slides, it is where families can come together, where friendships form, and where the community feels a little bit closer,' Bondy added. 'It is our duty to ensure these spaces are not only safe and fun, but accessible.' 'This is a really important playground,' Amherstburg Mayor Michale Prue added, also recognizing the work Amherstburg's Accessibility and Park committees contributed to the Master Plan. He acknowledged the park is not located in his municipality, but it is 'part of Amherstburg's soul.' He noted people on both sides of Walker Road in McGregor – the municipal boundary line – come and utilize this park. 'I'm really delighted how it has turned out,' he added, because he often says not enough is done for accessible groups. 'This playground is a testament to all of the people who worked on it. It is a testament to how many hours went into making sure every child – and I mean every child – has the opportunity to come out and play.' The park has sensory features and rubber matting. Prue hopes the facility will be well utilized. Co-An Park was established in 1977. The playground is added to the facility that already houses an array of amenities, such as six baseball diamonds, three soccer fields, two tennis courts, washrooms, pavilion and canteen, walking paths, and the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .