Cross-Country Skiing In Electric Park? Season Starting Soon

PLAINFIELD, IL — The start of February brought with it a winter wonderland in Plainfield. For the first season starting this weekend, Electric Park will become a destination for cross-country skiers.

Up until now, Electric Park hasn't lived up to its full potential, according to Mayor John Argoudelis. But the city has plans to improve the downtown park, located in the heart of Plainfield and comprised of several acres of land.

"Plainfield being the center of our work life and where we live, it also needs to be a part of where we play," Mayor John Argoudelis told Patch. "We have this [park] and most of us involved with Electric Park think it's underused."

In an attempt to better utilize the park and encourage recreation in Plainfield, the city has taken steps to groom the accumulated snow for cross-country skiers.

But residents concerned about the cost shouldn't be, Argoudelis said. The cross-country skiing won't cost taxpayers anything, as Elmhurst-Edward Health, with offices in Plainfield, has donated $3,000 to the village to purchase grooming equipment to make the sport a possibility, according to the mayor.

While the significant donation covered the majority of costs, the Riverfront Foundation fronted the remaining few hundred dollars. The organization, Argoudelis said, will be reimbursed using private donations the city is currently gathering.

To ski, residents who have equipment will only have to go to the park and have fun. But people who don't have the materials can visit surrounding businesses that rent skis. King Keyser, at 41 S. Washington St. in Hinsdale, is among sporting goods stores that have rental equipment.

With regard to recreational activities, "there's more to come,"Argoudelis said. The city is also looking to create an ice skating arena, bring snowshoeing to Electric Park and also build a bike park — a concept similar to a skate park, the mayor told Patch.

"[We're] trying to encourage and create more recreational opportunities for our community right here at home so we don't have to drive far," he said, adding that he hopes the endeavor also helps support local businesses.

The Riverfront Foundation is among groups looking to revitalize Electric Park, which was a popular tourist destination in Plainfield a century ago.

"Over a century after Electric Park became a destination for area tourists, the Village of Plainfield has embarked on an ambitious plan to once again make the DuPage River a focal point of our town," reads the Foundation's Facebook page.

The mayor said his goal is to support the projects with corporate sponsorships and private donations. He said he doesn't "want to burden the taxpayer.

"Quality of life is enhanced when we have these kinds of recreational activities right here at home," Argoudelis said.