OREGON — On March 11, the Oregon Park District approved the purchase of a new playground for Park East, marking a significant step in the park's redevelopment. The playground purchase, valued at $100,000, will feature separate play spaces designed for children aged 2-5 years and 5-12 years. This decision was influenced by feedback from community members and the Citizen Advisory Committee, highlighting the need for age-appropriate play areas.
The new playground will be installed with an artificial turf surface, ensuring a more accessible environment for all users. Additionally, the old playground will be removed by Kids Around the World and repurposed in a country where playgrounds are not as prevalent. This enhancement is part of a broader redevelopment plan for Park East, which has received $600,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Construction at Park East is slated to begin on April 1 and conclude by Aug. 15. While construction will disrupt park use in 2025, staff has worked closely with the Chana School Museum and Ganymedes Baseball Program to limit the impact on their programming.
Executive Director Erin Folk expressed the Park District's excitement about this opportunity, emphasizing the added play value for users of all ages on a fully accessible surface. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact this new playground will have on Park East.
