The first of two community meetings was held last week to determine what ideas and improvements residents would like to see at Centennial Park in Oak Lawn.
The informal session was held in the early evening of July 9 between the roller hockey rink court and the current playground at the east section of Centennial Park, 9359 S. Nashville Ave.
Representatives of the Oak Lawn Park District and Upland Design, who will oversee improvement at this portion of the park, set up art renderings of ideas and plans for the park so residents could view them.
Ryan Gory, superintendent of Oak Lawn Park District Parks and Planning, said that improvements are being planned for the roller hockey rink court, the playground, and the basketball court adjacent to Simmons Middle School and the Oak Lawn Fire Department.
“A park is a great asset to the community,” Gory said. “We will apply for grants this fall and hope that they contact us in January. We just want to get everyone’s input and want to hear your ideas. All those ideas will be considered.”
Gory said they are looking at providing new paving and a new tile court surface at the roller hockey court with five feet of paved walk between the rink and the playground.
The art rendering posters — six in all — were set up and attracted residents of all ages, and parents with their children who were using the playground. Gory said after the second meeting is held, the Oak Lawn Park District will apply for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development) grant.
The OSLAD program is state-financed and provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition, or for development of land for public parks and open space.
The park district has overseen the development and renovation of most of Centennial Park over the last few years, including the Oak Lawn Pavilion and the complete overhaul of four softball fields that now has an upgraded concession stand. The park also has a new outdoor volleyball court, new walking and jogging path around the park, and a state-of-the-art splash pad. The park also has a new soccer field and added a zipline.
Gory said those renovations occurred through various grants. He said that they have now moved to the eastern part of the park to make improvements there.
“We have gradually made improvements here,” said Gory, who has been with the park since 2006. “We have planted 20 new trees here with the assistance of the Morton Arboretum. We are trying to make it as inclusive as possible for everyone.”
One parent, Liz Lininger, said that she would like to see lower money bars for the kids.
“I’m biased because we use this park a lot,” Lininger said. “We are from here and we enjoy coming up here.”
Some suggested improvements include exercise equipment for adults and youths, a shelter added to the playground, adding ping pong and foosball tables, and a location for tetherball. Gory said the new paving for the hockey roller court is needed because it has been years since it has been updated.
Gory said that additional playground equipment could be added for youths ages 2 to 5 and for kids ages 5 to 12. The basketball court needs to be repaved and new backboards will replace the aging two that are presently there, Gory said.
The park district will work in coordination with Upland Design Ltd. Two representatives from Upland Design were on hand to listen to suggestions by residents who stopped by. Upland Design helps to create new designs and architecture for parks.
Gory said that the second community input meeting for Centennial Park will take place within the next few weeks near the playground at the east end of the park.
Please don’t forget the elderly and add Pickle Ball to your renovation plan.