Mills Park Grand Re-Opening Set for Thursday

Looking for some free summertime fun?

Check out the grand re-opening party at , 217 S. Home Ave. in Oak Park.

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Planning for the park's big makeover began in 2008, with residents providing feedback through a number of public meetings and surveys. Ultimately, residents and park officials decided on this concept, which brings new park entrances, a renovated interior path, grass and wildflower displays and signs displaying information about plant life and the site's history.

has also installed sitting areas, a nature discovery sensory play area and labyrinth. In its design, the labyrinth uses motifs from the nearby mansion.

About $400,000 in grant money from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources helped pay for the project, which carried a price tag of roughly $1 million.

Thursday's grand re-opening party begins at 6:30 p.m.