The Mundelein Park & Recreation District is set to showcase a series of significant upgrades and additions to Longmeadow Park, marking a new chapter in the park’s history. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. next Thursday at the park at 1800 Somerset Lane to celebrate these enhancements.
A Comprehensive Renovation
Longmeadow Park, initially developed in the late 1990s, has undergone a transformative renovation to meet modern accessibility standards and provide expanded recreational opportunities for the community. The 48.59-acre parcel has been reimagined with a focus on inclusivity, safety, and diverse recreational options for visitors of all ages.
Key Improvements Include:
- An ADA-accessible path leading to the shelter ensures the park is welcoming to all visitors
- A new play apparatus designed for children aged 2-12 years old
- A dedicated play area for younger children aged 2-5 years
- A poured-in-place swing area provides a safe and durable surface for swinging
- A half-court basketball area relocated from the parking lot for improved safety
- Renovation of the existing walking path, enhancing the park’s pedestrian-friendly features
- Installation of a fishing station, encouraging nature-based recreation
- Addition of a gaga ball pit, introducing a popular playground game to the park
- Renovation of the sand play area, offering a refreshed space for creative play
- Creation of a woodland walking path, cleared of invasive plants to showcase native flora
Funding and Support
The ambitious renovation project was made possible through grant funding and local resources. The Mundelein Park District secured a matching grant of $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. This substantial contribution was instrumental in bringing the vision for Longmeadow Park to life.
The Park District allocated additional funds from its capital and special recreation fund balance to complete the funding package. This strategic use of resources demonstrates the district’s commitment to enhancing recreational spaces for the Mundelein community.
Acknowledgments and Community Impact
Ron Salski, Executive Director of the Mundelein Park & Recreation District, expressed gratitude for the support received throughout the project. “We want to thank the Governor, the Illinois General Assembly, and IDNR for allocating funds for the park and recreation industry and awarding our District an OSLAD Grant. Also, we want to thank Senator Dan McConchie for his support,” Salski stated.
Highlighting the significance of the improvements, Salski added, “Longmeadow Park was developed in the late ’90s. Now, the park meets accessibility needs, has new playground equipment, a gaga pit, a half basketball court that is out of the parking lot, a new walking path, a fishing station, and a trail through a beautiful wooded area.”
