Hidden Oaks Nature Center To Close For Majority Of 2024 For Upgrades

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Hidden Oaks Nature Center will close for the majority of 2024 as a result of renovations that will begin Feb. 19, officials at the Forest Preserve District of Will County said Tuesday.

The center at 419 Trout Farm Road in Bolingbrook will see outdoor renovations, architectural changes and upgrades to the interior space.

The project will include the following:

• Expansion of the reception and gift shop area
• Conversion of the south existing classroom into an exhibit gallery
• Replacement of the children’s bathroom with a program staging area
• Updated rental space for the public featuring new paint, carpet, cabinets, doors, lighting and a wet bar
• A new shade structure outside
• An accessible path from the nature center to the nature playscape and the natural amphitheater

A life animal tank for resident turtles will be permanently located on the first floor. An elaborate indoor birdwatching lookout deck will also be installed at the nature center, according to Angie Trobaugh, Hidden Oaks facility supervisor.

"But the beloved oak tree in the center of the lobby will remain and receive a much-needed overhaul," she said in a statement. "Once the work is completed, the nature center’s theme will be to explore Hidden Oaks to uncover surprising stories of local animals, plants and habitats. Both the construction and exhibit plans are robust and designed with all Will County residents in mind."

The outdoor work will require grounds to close occasionally throughout the year but will not affect Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in the northern part of the preserve.

Both the interior and exterior upgrades are designed to convert the former Bolingbrook Park District site, purchased by the forest preserve district in 2022, into a nature center tailored to forest preserve-specific exhibits and activities, according to a news release.

Trobaugh said the project has been "a long time coming and very strategic on our part." Staff completed the conceptual design plan for exhibits in 2023.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but promise to be an asset to the community and a great place to visit upon our grand reopening," she said. "The new and improved Hidden Oaks will encourage local community members to discover their natural world through interactive exhibits, educational programs, outdoor spaces and hands-on natural play."