Northbrook community invited to free playground party Aug. 14

Northbrook residents are invited to a pop-up party next week to celebrate the installation of new tot lot playground equipment at Wescott Park.

The free event will take place from 6 to7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, games such as parachute play, snacks and a free prize drawing. The “Bubble Man” will perform at 6:15 p.m.

In addition to the new playground equipment for ages 2 to 5, the project for the 4.1-acre park at 1820 Western Ave. in Northbrook includes new synthetic safety turf, benches, garbage cans, recycling cans and a concrete seat wall.

The park also features softball fields and a walking path that remained accessible to the public throughout the construction project, which started in May.

“The Northbrook Park District has an inventory of 18 playgrounds, and some of my favorite events include our ribbon-cutting ceremonies that signal the completion of a renovation project,” said Director of Marketing and Communications Joan Scovic. “Following considerable community input, staff are excited to share this new recreational space with the community.”

Wescott Park’s original playground was installed in 2005 and was reaching the end of its lifecycle. Input from the community was gathered with a preliminary survey in March 2023 and another in July 2023 to help select the final playground equipment. The winning design garnered 75% of the community’s votes.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.