After years of growth, the Board will now look inward, using the resources it has to efficiently and responsibly continue to grow the District into a strong and sustainable agency – laying the groundwork for a successful future full of possibilities beyond 2025!
Sustaining the Legacy: 2025
While last year’s community-wide survey will help identify how to allocate resources and funds, the Board will still be faced with some tough decisions. Long-term sustainability of the District and responsible use of taxpayers’ dollars will be the guiding principles when faced with these challenges. Some of the first projects the District will focus on include Clubhouse updates, playground replacements, and expanded programming.
Current and Upcoming Construction Projects
Founders Park Playground Restoration!
Playground renovation includes replacing existing equipment and swings with new structures for ages 5-12 and 2-5 play areas and new swings. New playground safety surfacing of engineered wood fiber will be laid. The curb will be adjusted and expanded, the lawn will be restored, and benches added. The projected timeline for opening is May 2022.
UPDATE 5/17/22: Founders Park: we are waiting for two support parts. Once we have them we will be able to open the park.
UPDATE 10/19/21: This fall the current Founders Park playground will be removed and donated to Kids Around the World, an organization that connects underserved areas to gently used play equipment. The site will then be prepared so that as soon as the new structures arrive in the spring (weather and available labor permitting) they will be installed.
We are sorry for the gap in this installation timeline, but it is yet another example of how delays throughout the world are also affecting the construction industry.
The Park District is thrilled that the old equipment will be enjoyed by many more children and appreciates your understanding and patience.
Reston Ponds New Neighborhood Park!
Shodeen Homes has graded and seeded the area in preparation for development.
To view the park’s Master Plan, based on community input, click here.
UPDATE 7/21/22: In July the Park District was awarded $240,300 in grant funds for the Reston Ponds Park Development Project. This opportunity was made possible through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program.
The grant will fund development of Phase I Projects: Playground, Small loop trail, Picnic shelter, Soccer field, Pickleball court, Native landscaping buffer and educational sign. Additional amenities including a second pickleball court, large loop trail, tennis court, basketball court, and a parking lot will be phased in over the coming years.
North Grove Crossing New Neighborhood Park!
The Park District and North Grove Crossing HOA are working together to develop the designated park space in this neighborhood. They are in year one of a five-year phased plan to bring exciting park elements to the site.
North Grove Park Master Planning Community Survey
ACTION 2020: Citizens Memorial Sports Complex
Construction of the new ball diamonds is complete as well as a disc golf course, bocce ball court, playground, parking lot, and shelter. One field is ready to be utilized for the 2023 season.
Development Plan: Sports Complex (Citizens Memorial Park)
ACTION 2020: Riverside Soccer Complex Now Open!
Construction Plan: Riverside Sports Complex
ACTION 2020: Great Western Trail Extension – Segment I Now Open
Segment one goes from Sycamore Forest Preserve and the Great Western Trail trailhead to Page Street. This connection will open this fall.
Map and Location: Great Western Trail Extension
ACTION 2020: Great Western Trail Extension – Segment II
Segment two goes from Page and Pleasant Streets in Sycamore to Old Mill Park. The Park District will receive federal grant funding through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to complete this project. Currently, we are working with land owners to secure the land need for the route.
Action 2020
The Park District is working on wrapping up its 7-project ACTION 2020 plan. While some things have been delayed due to frozen grant funds, all projects are still on track to be completed successfully! Learn more about ACTION 2020, here.
Timeline for Completion
| Community Center | Opened spring 2018 |
| Splash Fountain | Opened summer 2018 |
| Northwestern Medicine Sled Hill | Opened winter 2019 |
| Brian Bemis Family Dog Park | Opened spring 2019 |
| Trail Connection 1: Brickville Road to Sycamore Middle School | Opened summer 2018 |
| Trail Connection 2: Great Western Trail Extension | |
| Phase I: Sycamore Forest Preserve to Page St. | Opened fall 2021 |
| Phase II: Page St. to Old Mill Park | Grant received – opening TBD |
| Golf Course Irrigation System Replacement | Completed summer 2020 |
| Sports Complex Expansion | |
| Phase I: New Riverside Soccer Complex | Opened spring 2022 |
| Phase II: Development of Citizens Memorial Sports Complex | Construction underway |
