Jubilee Point Park Development | Featured Park Projects | Current & Proposed Projects | Recently Completed Projects

Featured Park Projects

63RD STREET PARK BASKETBALL COURT SURFACE RECOLORING PROJECT

July 5, 2024 – On July 3^rd the basketball courts at 63^rd Street Park reopened for public use. A part of the District’s Capital Replacement Program, the repair and recoloring work on the courts began on June 28^th. The project included the cleaning, preparation, crack refilling, and reapplication of the color coating system to both the west and east basketball courts.

Pond Maintenance at Ide’s Grove West Park 

Updated June 14, 2024 – Since receiving initial complaints about the pond at Ide’s Grove West Park this spring, District staff began regularly monitoring and evaluating the conditions and ultimately concluded that the pond warranted treatment. On Wednesday, May 15th, the District started a course of chemical treatments to address the filamentous algae. Since the algae was approaching 100% coverage of the pond’s surface area, District staff sought professional input from pond/aquatic management companies to ensure the District’s plan was effective and to identify other viable methods for expediting the process.

Because of the extensive nature of the algae bloom, the solution recommended to most efficiently and effectively address the situation was the mechanical harvesting and disposal of the algae. The District has secured a contract with Integrated Lakes Management (ILM) for one day of mechanical removal of the algae from the pond for disposal off-site. This work was completed on June 12th, resulting in an immediate reduction of algae coverage of nearly 100% to less than 20% coverage. A key benefit to mechanically removing the algae is that the nutrients contained in the algae are also removed from the pond and not left to decompose on site. This method reduces the volume of organic material and nutrients in the pond reducing the risk of similar algae blooms in future years.

In a continued effort to address the algae, ILM returned on June 13th to back-treat the pond with algaecide and conduct the first of three monthly nutrient deactivation applications that will permanently bind with phosphorus to reduce future algae growth. Following the completion of this work on Friday, June 14th, District staff observed numerous dead fish throughout the pond likely due to the recent mechanical algae removal coupled with the chemical treatments and high temperatures. The extent of the fish kill event is not yet clear, and District staff will address any necessary clean-up efforts on Monday, June 17th.

In late June, Park District staff will resume regular chemical treatments that will last through the summer months to manage algae growth. These treatments will continue to reduce the amount of algae that remains over the coming months with the objective of managing the algae at an acceptable level to maintain the health of the pond for local wildlife and recreational use.

Check back for updates regarding the District’s efforts to address the algae issues at Ide’s Grove West Park. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions related to these ongoing efforts.

FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

 Question #1:
Does the Park District take active measures to treat algae in District owned/managed ponds?
Answer: The District owns/manages numerous ponds throughout the community only three of which the District takes active measures to manage algae.  We evaluate the ponds on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate course of action including chemical treatment. A combination of aerators and regular chemical treatments are used at Lake Harriet and Ide’s Grove East Park, and beginning this spring chemical treatments have been implemented at Ide’s Grove West Park.

Question #2:
Is the pond scum (algae) a health hazard?
Answer: While some species of algae may pose a health risk, the green filamentous algae present at Ide’s Grove West Park is harmless and does not produce toxins; however, the algae is unsightly and may present a nuisance for recreational fishing or boating.

Question #3:
Why are parts of the pond dry and weedy?
Answer: The site design implemented with the development of the Timbers Edge Subdivision incorporated a large wetland on the east end of the original open-water pond. The wetland design features some areas of intermittent standing water the size of which is subject to change seasonally. The wetland and pond buffers (native plantings along the pond banks) have a stormwater management function. These landscape areas provide layers of natural filtration reducing the volume of pollutants and nutrients entering the pond.

Question #4:
Why does the District not mow to the water’s edge?
Answer: Mowing and maintaining turf to the water’s edge significantly increases the risk of erosion as a result of turf grass’s shallow root systems. Additionally, high slopes often found along pond edges require specialized equipment to mow safely. Pond and wetland buffer plantings, comprised of a mix of deep-rooted native plants, help to stabilize pond banks limiting erosion and providing layers of natural filtration reducing the volume of pollutants and nutrients entering the pond. These important stormwater management functions are why their inclusion in the site developments, like Ide’s Grove West Park, are often a requirement of the permitting process.

Question #5:
If the Park District is unwilling to mow to the water’s edge, why can’t residents maintain these areas behind their homes?
Answer: In most cases, the District owns a strip of land beyond the edge of the pond and manages those areas in accordance with District maintenance and operations practices for the specific site condition. At Ide’s Grove West Park, the distance between the water’s edge and the rear residential property lines is between 25-30 feet on average. This means a resident would be encroaching onto District property by that full distance to mow to the pond edge.  Encroachments of any kind are prohibited on District property and are subject to fine (examples included but are not limited to building structures, plantings, mowing, dumping of spoils or yard waste, removal of plantings or other features, etc.). Additionally, the pond and wetland buffer plantings, comprised of a mix of deep-rooted native plants, help to stabilize pond banks limiting erosion and providing layers of natural filtration reducing the volume of pollutants and nutrients entering the pond.

Questions #6
Is fishing allowed in all areas of the pond at Ide’s Grove West Park? I don’t like people littering and being in my backyard.
Answer: Yes, Ide’s Grove West is a public park and recreational fishing is allowed in all areas of the pond; however, littering is not only prohibited but is illegal. At Ide’s Grove West Park, the distance between the water’s edge and the rear residential property lines is between 25-30 feet on average. These are public spaces available for recreational purposes.

park improvements at ide’s grove east & Summerhill parks

May 28, 2024 – Improvements are coming this summer to Ide’s Grove East Park and Summerhill Park.

Improvements at Ide’s Grove East will include the replacement of damaged and failing pavement in the playground area with ADA-accessible concrete flatwork and asphalt paving to restore primary playground access points and accessible bench seating areas. The improvements will also include renovation of the existing pond overlook/fishing pier including: the replacement of ADA noncompliant paths with new accessible paths, replacement of damaged and degraded concrete flatwork, site grading, minor lighting modifications, and landscape improvements. Additionally, new benches will be installed throughout the park.

At Summerhill Park, work will consist of replacement of existing modular block playground borders and the adjacent retaining walls with poured concrete playground borders and poured concrete retaining walls. Further site improvements will include the replacement of the existing ADA non-compliant seating area overlooking Prentis Creek with both accessible and stepped walks providing access to bench seating overlooking the creek. Additionally, new benches will be installed throughout the park.

Spring Landscape Plantings

May 28, 2024 – Preparation is underway for spring landscape plantings throughout our parks. This work includes tree and shrub replacement plantings and the addition of eight new memorial trees. This spring staff will also renovate select landscape beds at 63rd Street Park, the ARC, Cypress Cove and the Fred C. Hohnke Community Center. Through continued investment, the District ensures that our park landscapes remain beautiful, diverse, and healthy.

HAWTHORNE HILL WOODS RECREATIONAL TRAIL PROJECT

Updated September 22, 2023 – The District was awarded a $200,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trail Program for the development of a recreational trail within Hawthorne Hill Woods in accordance with the proposed 2014 Woodridge Town Centre Master Plan. The grant will offset the estimated $500,000 project cost. The proposed engineered recreational trail will consist of mostly crushed limestone with some asphalt connections transitioning to the existing bike paths and over culverts in floodplains. The trail will meander through the woodlands connecting users of the existing Woodridge Comprehensive Multi-use Pathway System on the north and south ends of the woodlands as well as provide users enhanced opportunities to more closely experience nature. Prior to submitting the grant application, the District held a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, for the purpose of soliciting public review and comments on the proposed trail. Construction of the trail anticipated in 2025.

2023-2024 Capital Asset Replacement Projects & Purchases

ARC Elliptical Fitness Equipment Purchase
ARC-CRP #23-01c| Project Completed | Project entailed the replacement of five elliptical fitness machines.
ARC Exterior Dimensional Sign Addition Project
MSP #23-03pc | Project Completed | Project entailed the addition of “Woodridge Park District” signs to the north and west exterior facades of the facility.
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park Concessions Furniture Replacement Project
ACRP #23-01-01 | Project Completed | Project entails replacement purchase of Trex® recycled plastic concession table and chair furniture.
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park Buildings Roof Shingle Replacement Project
ACRP #23-02c | Project Start: October 2023 |  Project entails removal and replacement of asphalt roof shingles on the main bathhouse, filter and mechanical buildings.
Hawthorne Hill Woods, Phase 1 – Culvert Replacements Project
CDP #22-02c-01 | Project Completed | Project entailed the replacement of 2 existing storm water concrete culverts under the maintenance access drive damaged from previous floods.
Castaldo Park Picnic Table Replacement Purchase Project
CRP #23-04pc | Project Completed | Project entailed the replacement purchase of 30 heavy-duty picnic tables with recycled plastic lumber.
Castaldo Park Shelter Roof Replacement Project
CRP #23-05c | Project Start: October 2023 | Project entails removal of cedar shake shingles and replacement with polymer slate style shingles.
Maintenance Facility Fence Replacement Project
CRP #23-06c-R1 | Project Start: October 2023 | Project entails removal and replacement of maintenance yard 8’ high cedar wood fence and gates.
Multi-Site Park Improvements Project
CRP #23-07-01 | Project Start: October 2023 | Project entails concrete flatwork, natural flagstone pavers, ADA accessible improvements, playground border concrete curbing, concrete retaining walls, park bench replacements and tree replacements at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, Ide’s Grove East Park, Summerhill Park, and Windy Point Park.
2023 Asphalt Resealing Project
CRP #23-08c | Project In-progress |  Project entails asphalt pavement resealing and line restriping of pathways and parking lots at Caddie Corner Park (Path – Completed), Lake Carleton (Path – Completed), Janes Avenue Park (Parking Lot – Completed), ComEd – Hobson Road to 71st Street (Path – Completed), Village Greens Golf Course (Parking Lot – October 2023), Ide’s Grove West Park (Path – Completed), Willowcreek Elementary School (Path – Completed).
Echo Point Park Drinking Fountain Replacement Purchase
CRP #23-09pc | Project Completed | Project entailed the replacement purchase of an ADA accessible drinking fountain with dog bowl access.
Mending Wall & Summerhill Parks Railing and Post Replacement Project
CRP #23-10-2pc | Project In-progress | Project entails removal and replacement of the custom metal safety railing and wood post system.
63rd Street Park Basketball Court Surface Recoloring Project
CRP #23-11pc | Project Start: May/June 2024 | Project entails the cleaning, preparation, crack refilling and recolor coating system to both the west and east basketball courts.

Recently Completed Projects

NEW SHADE STRUCTURES, PADDLE RACKING SYSTEM AND MORE INSTALLED AT HOBSON CORNER PARK

Updated November 20, 2023 –Improvements to the splash pad and pickleball courts at Hobson Corner Park was completed in mid November. In the splash pad area, two 15’x15’ fabric shade structures were installed in the lawn area to improve the experience of splash pad users, in addition to a spectator/staging space for pickle ballers. The pickleball improvements include the development of an accessible walk and paved seating space along the eastside of the pickleball courts featuring a cantilevered 14’x30’ fabric shade structure; a paddle racking system for organizing pace of play; accessible seating; and a concrete seat wall with associated landscape and drainage improvements.

Woodridge Park District and School District 68 Collaborate to Replace Murphy and Edgewood School Playgrounds

August 31, 2023 –Construction at Murphy and Edgewood School playgrounds is complete and both parks are open for play.

Staff and volunteers from the Woodridge Park District, Woodridge School District 68 and Kids Around the World, a non for profit organization that recycles old playgrounds giving them new life in other countries, helped remove the old playground equipment at Murphy and Edgewood Schools in June. Thanks to Kids Around the World (KATW), the removed play equipment from both schools will be refurbished with new fittings and hardware, repainted and welded in their warehouse in Rockford, IL. KATW then connect with communities overseas to determine a need and an appropriate fit for each playground based on playground size and features and site assessments of possible playground locations. Once a site is identified for each unique playground and a rebuild date is coordinated, KATW ship the playground from their warehouse to the new overseas location and send their staff and volunteers to manage the safe rebuild of these refurbished playgrounds, often in communities where kids have never even been on a playground before. Upon completion, KATW then send photos and updates of the reinstallation efforts of all donated playgrounds so agencies can see what a great impact their donation has made to another community. Not only does partnering with KATW with playground donations give to underserved communities, but by donating these playgrounds and removing with KATW staff and volunteers, there are no costs for equipment removal. In fact, staff estimates it saves the Park District between $5,000 and $10,000 for each playground (the estimated cost a contractor would charge to remove and legally dispose of the playground equipment, which would likely end up in a landfill).

The demolition of the playground equipment was part of a playground replacement project at both schools which also includes the replacement of swings at Edgewood School, the replacement of existing wood timber borders with poured concrete barrier curbing and seat walls, replacement of engineered wood fiber playground safety surfacing, drainage improvements, the addition of accessible ramps, paving for accessible site amenities (benches and trash receptacles) and landscape plantings for increased shade.

Because of a long-standing intergovernmental partnership between the two agencies, the playground replacement costs will be funded cooperatively by both School District 68 and the Woodridge Park District. The sharing in costs also allows Park District staff to enhance the two playground areas in line with the District’s typical neighborhood park developments by incorporating site furnishings (benches and trash receptacles) and the planting of shade trees at these school playground locations.

Invasive Plant Removals and Natural Areas Clean-up

November 14, 2022 – District staff completed  work at numerous park properties and natural areas mechanically removing woody, invasive plant material including buckthorn, willows and honeysuckle. This work utilized commercial-grade equipment including brush chippers and skid steer mounted grinding equipment (forestry mulcher and stump grinder). This was completed in compliance with the Village’s construction noise ordinance with no equipment being operated before 7:00 AM

Project Sites:

• Hawthorne Hill Woods
• Ide’s Grove East Park
• Janes Avenue Park
• Lake Carleton
•  Lake Harriet
• Orchard Hill Park
• Peters/Rutgers Drive Basin
• Pond 54 (natural area east of Woodward Ave. & Prairie Ln.)
• Town Centre (Jubilee Site)
• Vicente Outlot D (natural area bordered by Westminster Dr., Hampstead Ct., Coppergate Rd. and Charing Cross Rd.)
• Vicente Outlot E – (natural area bordered by Gloucester Rd., Hampstead Ct, Vail Ln. Rutgers Dr., Hastings Rd. and Timber Trails Rd.)
• Westminster Park
• Windy Point Park

FALL ASPHALT WORK COMPLETED

Updated November 1, 2022 – Asphalt patching and resurfacing of various park paths and parking lots began on Friday, October 7th and continued through the month of October as weather conditions permitted. The contractor substantially completed all paving work during the final week of October, and all parking lots and paths included have been reopened for public use. Minor punch list and site clean-up items will be completed in November.

Sites completed:

• Audubon Path (between Foxtree Ave. & Killdeer St.)
• Castaldo Park Path
• Echo Point Park Parking Lot & Path
• Falconridge Park Parking Lot
•  Fred C. Hohnke Community Center Parking Lot
•  Lake Carleton (North) Path
• Patching of Various Bike Paths:
  • ComEd Property (between 71st and 63rd Streets)
  • Hawthorne Hill Woods
  • Summerhill Park

Fred C. Hohnke Community Center Parking Lot WORK COMPLETE

Updated October 19, 2022 – Re-paving and re-striping  of the Fred C. Hohnke Community Center parking started on Tuesday, October 11 and was completed and available for use on Wednesday, October 19.

Pathway connecting Ide’s West and East Parks open for use

August 25, 2022 – Construction of a multi-use paved pathway on the Nicor Easement connecting Ide’s Grove West Park to Ide’s Grove East Park, which began in mid-May, has been completed and the path is open for public use. On July 26, the 45-day long strike by heavy equipment operators at area quarries that had brought the development to a standstill was resolved. On August 5, the contractor resumed work on the project completing installation of the asphalt paving and returned later in August to complete site restoration efforts.

NEW PARK SHELTER AT WINDY POINT PARK READY FOR USE

July 13, 20122 – As a result of the damage incurred by the June 2021 tornado, the shelter at Windy Point Park is required a full replacement. The damaged shelter was removed on March 21st. Construction of a new shelter to be erected in the same location began on May 20th. Final finishes were completed and the new shelter was opened for public use on July 5th.

IDe’s grove west park restoration

June 17, 2022 – On June 8^th,  the District’s contractor removed remaining sections of an existing fence along the west perimeter of Ide’s Grove West Park that was damaged by the tornado.

On the morning of Saturday, June 11^th, 58 volunteers attended the Community Planting Dan and assisted with the planting 164 native trees and shrubs. Prior to this event Park District staff  planted an additional 146 larger trees for a total of 300 native trees and shrubs being planted in the woodland area so heavily damaged by the June 2021 tornado. The cost of the reforestation efforts was offset in part by grant funding totaling $4,000 including $3,000 from the nonprofit group Trees Forever through their “Recover, Replant, Restore!” grant program and an additional $1,000 from IDNR’s “Earth Day in the Parks” grant initiative sponsored by the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation and the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Generous donations plant materials  and of supplies critical to the replanting efforts from local partners including Davey Expert Tree Company, Site One Landscape Supply, and the Morton Arboretum also helped to defray costs. Numerous residents donated trees to the effort.  Staff will continue to preform regular maintenance on these plantings throughout the 2022 growing season including regular watering.

On June 17^th the District’s contractor installed 24 replacement trees across the park site replacing landscape trees lost during the tornado.  The cost of these 24 tree replacements were covered by the District’s insurance.

Boundary hill woods RESTORATION

Updated April 3, 2023 –On Sunday, April 2, a group of 18 volunteers from the DuPage County 4-H Club assisted Park District staff with the planting of 25 native oaks at Boundary Hill Woods, a site heavily impacted by June 2021 tornado. The mix of Bur, Red, and White Oaks in addition to bags of mulch for planting were a donation from the Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District. The planting of these 25 5-gallon oaks is a step toward restoring a site that saw the loss of an estimated 300 mature trees less than two years ago.