Eldridge Playground To Be Replaced

ELMHURST, IL — Eldridge Park's playground is being replaced this year, the Elmhurst Park District board decided this week. At its meeting Monday, the board approved the playground concept. Construction is expected to start in July and finish in October.

According to a statement on its website, the district said it performed in-person surveys at the park last spring and summer and held a public hearing in August to see what residents wanted. A survey also was made available on the website and Facebook.

The plan, which contains many of the features residents requested, includes more climbing equipment, more swings, more seating and more shade, the district said. The sand play area and the wood chips at the playground will be removed and a "unitary surface" will be installed. A unitary surface may be made of recycled tires, nylon or other synthetic elements, according to the website of Zeager Bros., which sells such surfaces.

Another feature, the district said, will be a long slide, which will span the hill separating the toddler area from the main playground. Changes also will be made to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The park, which is on Commonwealth Lane, was last renovated in 2000, the district said.

In reaction to the playground plan, an Elmhurst resident said on Facebook, "We live down the street, and my second-grader says she's 'so excited for that!'"