Lemont Park District Seeks Input for New Northview Park

—From the Lemont Park District

As the Lemont Park District is continuously working to fulfill the agency’s mission including the pledge to provide, “safe, accessible and premium facilities, parks and programs,” an informal tree survey was completed last summer by park staff identifying Ash trees that were affected by the Emerald Ash Bore (EAB). Northview Park located on McCarthy Road, was identified as one of the parks most strongly affected by the EAB epidemic. Approximately 182 trees were removed late last summer at Northview Park.

Due to the large number of dead trees removed and the playground nearing the end of its lifecycle, the Park District Board and staff began working on a new Master Plan for Northview Park. This process includes various planning meetings, design research, budget consideration as well as the Bidding process; a project of this magnitude takes approximately two years before the unveiling of the final result. As with all park renovations on the District’s Park Replacement Schedule that was adopted in 2012, the community is invited and encouraged to take part in planning meetings.

The first community planning meeting for Northview Park will be held at Centennial Community Center, 16028 127th Street, on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. The District is looking to local residents for input on the types of park amenities that could be included in the design as well as feedback concerning park elements that were less desirable in the current design. Visit www.lemontparkdistrict.org for more information.

All Lemont Park District parks are unique with individual characteristics. Northview Park is definitely one of the more momentous parks in the Lemont park system with a rich history including several parcels donated to the park in the wake of the devastation caused by tornados in the mid 1970’s. The District plans to display and celebrate the rich history of this park in the design. The Lemont Park District looks forward to revitalizing another park to continue the legacy of providing recreational opportunities for generations to come!

Residents can expect the introduction of the New Northview Park in the Summer of 2016.