Improvements Could Be Coming To Phillips Park; Officials Seek Input

AURORA, IL — Phillips Park, a popular Aurora destination for more than a century, could soon undergo a series of improvements. To help determine the park's future needs, officials are turning to the community for input.

Named in 1902 by Aurora City Council members, the 325-acre park encompasses several attractions, including Phillips Park Zoo, the Sunken Garden, Mastodon Lake, Phillips Park Golf Course, Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center, and the Stover Visitors Center.

In order to "build upon its legacy and impact on future generations," officials said they will evaluate existing infrastructure, facilities, amenities and programs. The goal of the master plan for Phillips Park and its amenities is to improve "the overall park experience and better provide recreational and educational opportunities," officials said in a news release. The plan will then serve as a "road map for potential future improvements."

This is where community members come in. Locals can give their input at upcoming public meetings and workshops as well as in an online survey, which takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

The first community input workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Phillips Park Visitor Center, 1000 Ray Moses Drive. There, participants will learn more about the project and will have the chance to provide feedback directly to city staff and partners.

The dates for future workshops have yet to be announced.

Officials said feedback from in-person meetings and the online survey "will help to determine the potential improvements, establish the overall vision, and guide the project team to develop conceptual designs for the site."