A Sneak Peak at Sunrise Park’s New Playground

GRAYSLAKE, IL -- The Grayslake Park District asked and you answered. The local park district used community feedback to help select a new playground design at Sunrise Park, according to a news release. The playground is expected to be installed next spring, park district officials said,

Each year, the Grayslake Park District tries to replace at least one playground, depending on available funds. Sunrise Park, 175 Drury Lane, is next on the playground replacement schedule the district uses as a guide to prioritize replacement of the 23 playgrounds in its park inventory, according to the park district news release.

When it came time to select a new playground for Sunrise Park, the Grayslake Park District turned to the community for feedback. The Grayslake Park District conducted an online survey to collect community preferences on the two design options being considered. The survey included design renderings and aerial views of the two playground options.

A majority of residents who completed the survey preferred Playground Design Option 1. More than half of respondents indicated they lived in Chesapeake Farms, the neighborhood adjacent to Sunrise Park.

The Grayslake Community Park District Board of Commissioners used the community preferences gathered in the survey to inform their decision on what playground equipment to purchase. The Board of Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of Playground Design Option 1 for Sunrise Park on Oct. 24.

One theme that emerged from the survey was a strong preference for inclusive design elements that can be used by children of all abilities.

“In response to the community’s interest in a more inclusive playground, we worked with GameTime (the playground equipment company) to modify the design to include more inclusive play elements,” said Grayslake Park District Executive Director Kristin Splitt.

As a result, the new playground will include an ADA accessible swing, fun seats, play panels and bongos at ground level, and a free-standing “Merry-Go-All” play piece.

The playground equipment for Sunrise Park will be partially funded through a $46,000 grant from GameTime.

The park district purchases playground equipment in the fall to save money by taking advantage of grants from companies trying to clear out inventory.

PHOTO CAPTION: The new playground planned for Sunrise Park in Grayslake./PHOTO CREDIT: Grayslake Park District