Willow Stream Park Redevelopment to Begin in 2014

A state grant awarded this month to the Buffalo Grove Park District will help cover the expense of redeveloping Willow Stream Park.

The park district is the receipient of a $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition Development grant. The money will go toward Phase 1 of the redevelopment of Willow Stream Park, which is estimated to cost $818,000. 

Phase 1 of the park redevelopment project will include improvements to the pathway system, including new pathways through wooded areas and the far east side of the park near the baseball fields; a nature playground, shelter and storage areas; new lighting; a shelter with a performance stage; and a warming house/shelter near the area where the ice skating rink is constructed during the winter.

The plans are the same as they were when the park district sought public input on its master plan last year, spokesman Mike Terson said.

“We are very excited about receiving this grant, which will allow us to make significant improvements to one of our largest and most heavily used parks," Buffalo Grove Park District Executive Director Dan Schimmel said in a press release.

“By moving the paths away from the disc golf course, these improvements will create a safer environment, while bringing people in with nature," he added.

The project is scheduled to begin in spring of 2014 and be completed in summer of 2015.

Phase 2 of the redevelopment project will include parking lot relocation and improvements, Terson said. There is not yet a timeline as to when that work will begin.

The Buffalo Grove Park District is one of 45 park and recreation agencies throughout the state that will receive a portion of $15 million through Illinois’ Open Space Land Acquisition Development program.