Big Western Springs Drainage Project Mostly Done; Neighborhood Once Flood-Prone

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs announced Tuesday that the Springdale drainage project is substantially complete, but the park playing fields will remain closed through the fall and winter.

The village said it expects to reopen the fields in early spring to allow time for the newly planted turf.

According to its announcement, the village has been coordinating with the Western Springs Park District on restoration of the playing fields.

The village said both parties agreed to keep the fence in place and the playing fields closed through fall and winter so the turf can develop a strong root system and provide a safe, durable playing surface when the area reopens.

The project has already reached a major milestone with the completion and operation of a new detention basin, according to the village. The project involved storing water at Springdale Park.

The village reported that the basin is fully functional and has operated during several storms this year, helping manage stormwater and reduce flood risks for the surrounding neighborhood.

A few years ago, village officials identified the Springdale and Ridgecrest neighborhoods as the most vulnerable to flooding.