As Argo Park’s Old Timers picnic approaches its 50th anniversary, community leaders are betting that 21 newly planted trees – and a broader renovation effort – will ensure the aging green space remains a gathering place for generations to come.
The beautification push grew out of conversations about the park’s future. When discussions emerged about potentially ceding part of the property, community organizations decided to shift focus from protection to progress.
“We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to Argo Park and make sure that the legacy continues in terms of what Argo Park has meant to this community,” said April Kates-Ellison, a leader with Lights On Collective and N9, the groups spearheading the effort.
On Saturday, volunteers from Summit’s government, schools, and nonprofits planted the trees – the first phase of a larger renovation. Once the trees are established, volunteers will plant flowers around them and near the pavilion. The initiative also includes resurfacing the basketball court, revamping the bleachers, maintaining the softball field, and adding benches throughout the park.
Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez partnered with Openlands, an organization that works with municipalities to plant trees. An Openlands arborist surveyed the property and selected species suited to the park’s soil and climate.
“Over time when the trees mature, they’ll create an arch, and it’ll be very pleasant out here,” said John Jekot, executive director of the Summit Park District. “It’s supposed to attract native insects too, so it’s good.”
Jekot said the volunteer effort saves the district on labor costs. “With everyone pitching in, we save significantly,” he said.
Village Administrator Jerry Hurckes and village trustees joined the planting. He noted that Openlands provides the trees at no cost to the village.
“A tree can go for a couple hundred bucks, so the cost savings benefits everyone,” Hurckes said. “This will look very nice.”
The project is also funded through the Creative Placemaking Grant, which supports community-led improvements. The Summit Community Network, a resident initiative funded by Cook County and United Way, is coordinating three simultaneous beautification projects: Argo Park, the library courtyard, and the Summit Park Community Garden.
“There’s a mosaic program, a teen mural program that will help design the basketball court mural here, and a senior garden component for the library courtyard,” said Daria Amerik with SGA Youth and Family Services, which administers the network. “We’re really proud to launch this project. There’s more to come, and we will hold an official ribbon cutting later this summer.”
Township of Lyons Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg picked up a shovel Saturday and shared a broader vision for the area.
“I have this vision of making Lyons Township the first Tree Township USA, with every village designated as a tree city,” Hoffenberg said. “We’d have trees that offset our electrical costs, places to gather for shade, places to connect with nature. All those things are just so important. I love this stuff—it’s the best.”
Local students from Heritage Middle School and Argo High School volunteered their time. Angel Gibson, a senior at Argo, was there as part of her National Honor Society service.
“I’m volunteering today for NHS hours,” Gibson said. “I’m part of the Youth Crew and we are doing interviews and taking candid photos to capture this history here at Argo Park.”
As volunteers packed up their shovels Saturday, the newly planted trees stood as saplings—small now, but destined to grow. By the time the Old Timers picnic marks its 50th anniversary, the park will look renewed.
“The legacy continues,” Kates-Ellison said.