Mon July 29, 2024
Renovations at Constitution Park are now complete! The uniquely designed playground features wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory experiences and more to enhance inclusive play at Constitution Park. In addition, a new walking path and pavilion brings much-needed amenities for all to enjoy at this site. In partnership with the Downers Grove Public Library and EQuality Downers Grove, a StoryWalk® along the pathway provides an innovative and delightful way for children (and adults) to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
A community ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 6PM on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
July 26, 2024
DOWNERS GROVE, IL—Downers Grove Park District will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of renovations at Constitution Park from 6 to 7pm on Wednesday, Aug. 7. The community is invited to attend the event, which will include a short program, giveaways, and a children’s activity. Special guests will include Illinois State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton and representatives from the Downers Grove Public Library, South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR), and EQuality Downers Grove. Constitution Park, located adjacent to the Lincoln Center at 935 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove, now boasts the District’s first inclusive playground plus a new pavilion, pathway, StoryWalk®, and rain garden.
Paul Fyle, Director of Planning and Construction at the Downers Grove Park District says a major goal of the renovation project at Constitution Park was to provide a fully accessible playground intended for children of all abilities.
“The uniquely designed playground featuring wheelchair-accessible ramps, a synthetic turf playground surface, sensory experiences and more enhances inclusive play at Constitution Park,” said Fyle.
Highlights of the interactive equipment at Constitution Park playground include an inclusive merry-go-round, music and game panels, a sensory cove climber, rock walls, tubes, and various slides. A communication panel is available as a visual tool to help visitors identify specific areas or activities they wish to engage in, or to express their feelings to others, facilitating interaction on the playground.
In partnership with the Downers Grove Public Library and EQuality Downers Grove, the new StoryWalk® along the pathway provides an innovative and delightful way for children (and adults) to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children’s picture book are installed along an outdoor path, accompanied by interactive prompts, creating an engaging experience for young children and their accompanying adults. A new story will be introduced each season.
Downers Grove Park District received three separate grants to fund park and playground improvements at the 5.2-acre site. With the support of Senator Glowiak Hilton, the Park District received a $175,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Development (DCEO) to offset costs associated with the purchase and installation of playground equipment and safety surfacing. The District also received a $425,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space.
Constitution Park was also awarded a GameTime grant as part of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association’s Statewide Healthy Play & Recreation Initiative. The Park District received matching funds from GameTime play equipment manufacturer towards the purchase of new equipment that follows inclusive design principles. As part of this initiative, the playground is now a National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play, which allows park users to provide ongoing feedback related to the design and functionality of the playground. National Demonstration Sites (NDS) exemplify evidence-based best practices in design and implementation, support health-related initiatives, and provide meaningful ways for community stakeholders to gather data about the sites’ impact on the community.
For more information about Constitution Park, please visit dgparks.org.
Sept. 14, 2023
DOWNERS GROVE, IL—Downers Grove Park District has received three separate grants to fund park and playground improvements at Constitution Park. Located at 935 Maple Ave., the 5.2-acre site features the popular neighborhood park and playground, which is adjacent to the District’s Lincoln Center. Constitution Park currently features a large open space in addition to a playground enjoyed by children ages 2 to 12 including those in the Lincoln Learning Center Preschool and summer camp programs. The newly acquired grants will provide the Downers Grove Park District with funding to update the playground and add new amenities for visitors of all ages.
In 2023, the Park District received a $175,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Development (DCEO) to offset all costs associated with the purchase and installation of playground equipment and safety surfacing. The District also received a $425,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Department of Natural Resources, which provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space.
Most recently, Constitution Park was awarded a GameTime grant as part of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association’s Statewide Healthy Play & Recreation Initiative. The Park District will receive matching funds from GameTime play equipment manufacturer towards the purchase of new equipment that follows inclusive design principles.
As part of this initiative, the playground will also become a National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play, which allows park users to provide ongoing feedback related to the design and function of the playground. National Demonstration Sites (NDS) exemplify evidence-based best practices in design and implementation, support health-related initiatives, and provide meaningful ways for community stakeholders to gather data about the sites’ impact on the community.
Paul Fyle, Director of Planning and Construction at the Downers Grove Park District says the goal of the GameTime grant is to provide a fully accessible playground intended for children of all abilities.
“The uniquely designed playground featuring wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory experiences and more will enhance inclusive play at Constitution Park. In addition, a new walking path and pavilion will bring much-needed amenities for all to enjoy at this site,” said Fyle.
The Constitution Park renovation will also include a new pathway and the installation of a new pavilion shelter, which will be heavily utilized by summer camps held at the Lincoln Center. Park development concepts were shared with local residents at an open house held in July of 2023. Park designs were finalized last fall and the project is anticipated to be completed in late spring of 2024, at which time a community celebration will be held. For ongoing updates about the Constitution Park project, please visit dgparks.org.
March 12, 2024
The existing playground has been disassembled by and donated to Kids Around the World, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, who will utilize the refurbished equipment to provide play opportunities in underprivileged countries.
March 22, 2024
The contractor continues making progress including setting forms for the new playground border, installing site drainage improvements and are soon to begin excavating for the proposed rain garden.
April 29, 2024
The playground structures are nearly assembled. In weeks to come, the playground base will be prepared to allow installation of the new artificial turf safety surfacing.