Northview Park Opens In Lemont

LEMONT, IL — The newly reconstructed Northview Park opened June 1, with nearly 300 people gathered for the opening. The Lemont Park District adopted its park replacement program in 2010, and this has been the most involved park project so far.

According to a release from the park district, the new park reflects feedback gathered at various neighborhood planning meetings.

The park district said Northview Park has undergone a full transformation and features additional walking paths, increased on-site parking, a picnic shelter, a new playground with a rubberized play surface, a zipline, the spray pad water feature, drinking fountain and a flush bathroom facility. The ballfield and basketball court were also fully refurbished.

According to a release, in addition to celebrating the new Northview Park, the Lemont Park District also honored local law enforcement and fire safety personnel.

“The Lemont Park District strives to be collaborative, proactive and progressive in serving our community. The District’s top priority is always “Safety First!” Independently, we cannot carry out this important District Value without help,” Louise Egofske, Executive Director said. “So we turn to our community partners, the Lemont Police Department and Fire District. Tonight, we are honoring these brave men and women with a symbol of our gratitude that will forever stand in honor of them.”

The Lemont Park District dedicated the flagpole at Northview Park as well as an accompanying plaque including a heartfelt message of gratitude for the local agencies.

“The flagpole at Northview Park will serve as an everlasting reminder of all you do for our community along with its accompanying plaque expressing our thankfulness,” Egofske said.

The park district said Lemont Park District Board President, Brian Pepich, took to the podium to express the community’s gratitude for the Lemont Police Department and Fire District. He referenced the natural disaster that swept through this exact area over 40 years ago when a tornado claimed the lives of three people, injured over 20 and destroyed nearly 100 homes.

“This was a time when local government, police officers, fire fighters and citizens all came together to help each other out. How appropriate it is for us to recognize our police officers and fire fighters for putting their lives on the line everyday with the dedication of this flag pole in their honor,” said Pepich.

According to a release, during the festivities, all the children in attendance were asked to step forward and take an oath to become Lemont Park District Jr. Safety Officers. They received a commemorative Jr. Safety Officer certificate, badge and a red Lemont Fire Department hat.

Numerous Lemont Police Officers and Fire Fighters were present to take part in this memorable evening and be honored firsthand. Lemont Police Chief Maton and Lemont Fire Chief Rimbo were invited to join Park District Commissioners in the ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening Northview Park.

For more information, visit www.LemontParkDistrict.org.

Photos provided by Lemont Park District.