Oak Colonnade Debuts As Cantigny Park Project Moves Forward

WHEATON, IL --- If you visit Cantigny Park this fall, you'll be greeted by some colorful new guests. The park recently debuted its Oak Colonnade, a pathway lined with 24 towering oaks on each side. The new feature, which is part of the ongoing Project New Leaf initiative, adds an enjoyable all-seasons attraction to the park's other new developments.

Crews planted four different species of 15-foot oaks to make the colonnade, which will display a variety of brilliant colors each fall. The species include swamp white, northern red, chinquapin, and northern pin. The oaks lead up to the Lion of Cantigny statue, which makes for fun photo and selfie opportunities.

In a news release about the recent developments at Cantigny Park, park officials said the trees were planted amid flower beds that are expected to bloom with summer annuals and colorful tulips once winter is over.

The oak colonnade is just one result of the second year of work on Cantigny's Project New Leaf. The project, which is intended to span a five-year period, will include a revamped visitor's center, newly redesigned display gardens, and additional parking spaces.

Image credit: Scott Anderson/Patch