SECTION 4 INDIVIDUAL PARKS SURVEY AND ENHANCEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Section 4 pg. 24
This section describes the existing features of each park within the Community Park District, and makes suggestions on enhancements that may provide additional benefits or increase potential usage. Preceding the Park analysis are general comments that can be applied across the District as a whole, and should be considered with each renovation or development considered in the Master Plan. upon findings of this report and follow up meetings with public and staff. However, as funding is crucially tight and it may be a period of years before every park is addressed, it is not recommended to undertake all Park Master Plans for every park at this time. Public opinion, recreation trends, and populations may change quickly, rendering a Master Plan out of date and out of touch with actual needs. As in all comprehensive plans, it is recommended that for each park a Park Master Plan should be created by a competent park planner, based GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The majority of the parks are in good condition, and are maintained well. However; many amenities and equipment are nearing or are past their useful life cycle. 2. All parks should continue to be studied for potential improvements with amendments to the master plan as needed prior to renovation. It is important that the Community Park District continue utilizing a public process that encourages and solicits neighborhood participation in the park design process. 3. While there are no large tracts of lands available in La Grange Park that would accommodate a sport park, the Community Park District should consider a trend that groups athletic fields where parking and sports related amenities are available. If possible, neighborhood parks should not have competitive athletic fields. These areas should be designed for pickup play and practices only. 4. The Park District should consider additional methods of providing park policing and observation, including: Neighborhood watch programs More Police presence Bicycle Patrols, etc. Park patrol program Security Cameras 5. Industry standards should be followed during park development to ensure that items are installed properly. For example, benches with concrete footings should be installed below frost depth and at a proper, level height of 18-19 for the seat. 6. The Park Maintenance Staff should continue to check for vandalism and markings on all surfaces of play equipment and park amenities. Tagging should continue to be removed immediately to prevent additional damage 7. The practice of painting a fence black or replacing fencing with black vinyl should continue. 8. Park Signs should be installed in a consistent manner. They should be of the same style and be consistently located at the entrances to the park. This will help prevent a proliferation of park signs being scattered throughout the parks. Regulatory signs should include only those rules that are deemed to allow the most enjoyment of a park by the most people. Signs should be: a. Cost effective b. Uniform c. Be installed at the park entrance(s). Section 4 pg. 25
9. All new and current park developments must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Phase 1 recommendations of the ADA Review from 2011 should be implemented as soon as possible. Phase 2 and 3 recommendations should be should be completed during park renovation. Major considerations include: a. Bench Locations and placement b. Transitions into playgrounds from accessible routes c. Playground surfacing and maintenance d. Providing accessible routes a minimum of 5 wide to all components of a park, and from public walks and parking areas 10. Playground renovations should standardize playground surfacing throughout the district; wood fiber or stable rubber products are recommended. 11. Trash cans should be installed on concrete pads bases to simplify mowing and locked to posts to prevent vandalism and tipping 12. Outdated landscaping reflects negatively to passer-by traffic and to the casual park user. The Community Park District should begin a program of adding perennials and landscape enhancements to parks that can be maintained in a cost effective manner. 13. Berms should be added to landscape design to add screening and visual interest to parks as they are renovated. When possible utilize earth fill for land contouring to save dollars on hauling fees. 14. Place all asphalt paths on a seal coating program at least every 5 year, or as needed. Bundling all jobs offers good scale of economy. 15. Turf quality use for athletic in many parks has been pointed out as low quality. Turf repair, possibly including regrading and recontouring schemes should be addressed for each park 16. To prevent residents from feeling slighted, the quality of all facilities should be similar across the District, and budgets should be allocated across the district in an even manner. As stated in public meetings, the Community Park District does a good job maintaining its facilities in a uniform fashion. 17. Specific user count surveys should be made of several sports offerings, including tennis, skateboarding, and basketball. Meetings showed less tennis use than expected, and may not require as many courts. This may allow repurposing some of the existing courts for other hard surface play. In some cases, a court may be removed entirely to provide more open space for a completely new activity. 18. The Community Park District should continue its annual tree planting programs to help replace existing trees as they decline from age and urban conditions. The Community Park District should continue to promote its Memorial Tree program. Workshops and special events that feature environmental education could be conducted to promote public appreciation of trees and their value to the environment. It is noted that many ash trees are being preserved through expensive treatment. These treatments should be evaluated against tree condition to determine worth. 19. The current program to update topographic and boundary surveys for all parks should be completed. Section 4 pg. 26
FACILITY MATRIX CLASS ACTIVE PASSIVE MISC. ACREAGE (M- Mini Park, N - Neighborhood, C - Community, SP - School Park, A - Athletic Complex, S - School) Concessions Golf Course Football Field & Con. Baseball Field Softball Diamond Soccer Field Playground Equip. Tot Lot Rec. Bldg. & Gym Basketball Court (half) Basketball Court (full) PARK SITES 1 Beach-Oak Park N 1 1 2 1 0.6 Beach & Oak 2 Hanesworth Park C 1 2 1 1.3 mi Y 5 26th & Barnsdale 3 Memorial Park C 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1.4 mi 1 1 Y 7 Woodlawn & LaGrange Rd 4 Robinhood Park N 1 1 1 1 2 1 5 30th & Robinhood 5 Stone / Monroe Park N 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 Stone & Monroe 6 Yena Park C,N 2 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 5 29th & Harrison FACILITIES 20 Administration Office C n/a Hanesworth Park 21 Rec Center C n/a Hanesworth Park 22 Amphitheatre C n/a Memorial Park 23 Rec Building C n/a Memorial Park TOTALS 1 0 0 6 3 3 6 6 0 6 1 8 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 25.6 FOREST PRESERVE 20 Cook County X X X 500 Tennis Court Volleyball Ice Skating Fishing Picnic Area Walking path In-Line Skate Rink Picnic Shelter Perm. Washrooms Outdoor Pool Section 4 pg. 27
BEACH-OAK PLACEMENT AND SURROUNDINGS This small park serves a ½ mile radius Single Family Homes; north, south & east Multiple apartment complexes are nearby Indiana Harbor Railroad to west HISTORY This.6 acre, L-shaped Park was purchased by the Community Park District in 1966. Of historical significance, the property was once owned by the Chicago and West Towns Electric Railway. The property is the location of a bend from west to south before the final run from Cermak and 46th Avenue to La Grange. The track served as a trolley commuter service. EXISTING FEATURES / SUMMARY Asphalt and concrete pathways thru park and around playground Separate Age play areas tot area with train Entire park last renovated in 1995 Sand area - diggers are missing Integrated well into landscape with trees and native boulders Basketball Court set behind adjacent house Wood benches Trash Receptacles Hexagon shelter with shingle roof IMMEDIATE CONCERNS Playground equipment at end of useful life Playground not accessible Walls provide hiding areas and visual barriers Portable restroom located in main site line into park Park is small for uses requested by local residents Basketball area has become a hang-out; too far removed from sight lines and use areas Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 28
RECOMMENDED ENHANCEMENTS Make priority improvements off of 2011 ADA report. Examine need for Portable Restroom Relocate entry path for better access Redesign playground with motion or other interactive play. Create a Train spotting tower and interpretive area on the history of the Electric railway Potential to incorporate a small spray area Stain shelter / replace roof with colorful steel to prevent abuse Remove some / all of concrete walls and restore site lines Add drain and re-grade turf areas Add new bike rack properly sized for park Redesign/repurpose basketball to reduce competitive play; use vandal resistant basketball goals Replace benches Add color and lower scale landscaping to improve sight lines Look at potential to add additional land single family homes to either side (Oak Street is to north that would add another 66 feet to the park, however a private driveway accesses the stub road Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 29
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 30
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 31
ROBINHOOD PLACEMENT AND SURROUNDINGS Single family homes on the east and west sides. Two-30 home condominium complexes are adjacent on the park s southeast and southwest corner. 31st Street is a 4-lane, major arterial roadway that runs across the park s southern boundary. 30th Street runs across the north boundary. Homes are separated from the park with landscaping and a four foot chain link fence. Head-in parking is provided on the north end of the park. Park patrons have also utilized the St. Michaels Lutheran Church parking lot, located across 31st street from the park. HISTORY The park consists of approximately 3 acres and was pieced together in two parts. The north half was acquired in 1945 and was the first land acquired by the newly formed Community Park District. Four lots were donated by the developer and three lots were purchased with money left over from the local civil defense fund. In 1964 the south half consisting of ten lots were purchased from the La Grange Lumber Company. EXISTING FEATURES / SUMMARY Tot Lot and Youth playgrounds - 1988 at end of useful life 24 x 16 Wood Picnic shelter Picnic tables 8 Asphalt Path runs N/S thru center of park Good turf Two small baseball fields - 1991 Parking Lot 25 cars 2 tennis courts (last resurfaced in 1991) Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 32
IMMEDIATE CONCERNS Not ADA accessible Shelter roof and fascia in poor condition Dangerous road crossing at 31 st Street No creative play elements; beyond useful life Water Fountain by tennis is old and worn Portable restroom located in main site line into park RECOMMENDED ENHANCEMENTS Make priority improvements off of 2011 ADA report. Add a perimeter path to provide access to many amenities. Many amenities past a useful life Investigate additional access points at dead end alleys on east and west. Add ornamental plantings for beautification and curb appeal. Enhance parking lot / fence with plantings Enhance pathways, use shade to advantage for sitting areas Replace or eliminate drinking fountain Improve drainage on south ballfield Create a bocce ball and / or horseshoes area near tennis courts Replace roof decking on shelter Examine need for Portable Restroom Convert one tennis court to Skate Spot, basketball, or other recreational use. Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 33
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 34
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 35
MEMORIAL PLACEMENT AND SURROUNDINGS The park is the most visible and heavily used park in the park system. It is the site of several special events during the year including a popular 10-week Music Under the Stars program. Its visibility is enhanced by its close proximity to the Village Market shopping mall to the south, Jewel Foods and a PNC Bank to the east and the La Grange Park Library off the park s northwest corner. La Grange Road (Route 45) is a four-lane highway that runs along the west boundary of the park. Oak Avenue to the north, Sherwood Avenue to the east are two lane roadways and carry moderately heavy traffic going to and from shopping. HISTORY This seven acre parcel was pieced together from 1949 to 1951starting with a four lot donation from the Village of La Grange Park. The first major development took place in 1953 with the construction of two tennis courts, a small amphitheater, a playground, a one story fieldhouse, two baseball fields and a parking lot. Two additional tennis courts and lighting for all four courts were added in 1976. In 1980 the southeast corner of the exiting park was acquired though donation by the owner. In 1986 the north baseball field was removed when an addition to the playground and gazebo were constructed. Two sand volleyball courts, additional play equipment and a new enlarged amphitheater were completed in 1988. The existing internally lighted marquee sign along La Grange Road was installed in 1992. The baseball infield was renovated in 2010. The north two tennis courts, which had been converted to inline hockey in 1994 was restriped in 2011 to become a multipurpose play court. The lighted court becomes a two sheet ice rink in the winter months. Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 36
EXISTING FEATURES / SUMMARY A steep hill to the west slopes down to the tennis courts and causes a drainage problem. The field house, built in 1953, was the first Community Park District Recreation Center. It contains a 20x20 main room, restrooms, and storage. The building does not comply with ADA standards and has structural issues. In recent years the building has been used as a warming house in the winter and a storage building for day camps in the summer. The large playground, the multiuse play court and gazebo at the north end of the park are attractive to family uses. The park is supported by a 24 car, off road parking lot. The parking lot also serves as a convenient drop-off & pick-up point during the day camp season. Four foot high black vinyl fencing surrounds the playground, which restricts circulation between some of the park s amenities. The corner of the park closest to Sherwood and Oak Avenues is landscaped with mature trees, berms and a park sign. A concrete game table is located in this area but has no hard surface access. An approximately ½ acre area located along La Grange Road contains several memorial trees and mature hard wood trees. The area is a prominent feature of the park for travelers along La Grange Road and has a great potential to become a Community Park District signature. The trees and an interior shrub line serves as a sound buffer between La Grange Road and the Amphitheatre during performances. The aforementioned shrub line obstructs the view to the amphitheater but if removed, another provision for traffic noise must be found. An internally lighted marque sign along La Grange Road has become a very popular place for Community Park District and other local announcements. The amphitheater, in addition to Community Park District events, is also rented occasionally for church, theatre and other. local group events. Its semicircular seating with grass steps is a signature of the Community Park District but creates a high maintenance area. The concrete has developed some cracking over time. Lights intended to illuminate the steps no longer work due to faulty wiring. The wiring conduit has collapsed preventing the wires from being pulled and replaced. The amphitheater building provides an adequately sized stage with ample electric power and three rooms for storage. It does not provide indoor restrooms or changing rooms. The two sand volleyball courts and opposing goal basketball court were constructed in 1988 and remain in good condition. The design; however, allows sand to migrate onto adjacent hard surfaces causing a slip hazard unless frequently maintained. The sidewalk running along the play court s sound side creates a fall hazard. The 90 baseline infield was reconditioned in 2010 and is the only major league size field in the park system. It is used as a practice field by Nazareth Academy in the spring and by the La Grange Park Little League during summer months. The infield is in excellent condition; however the outfield is uneven in places. There is no homerun fence. The outfield doubles use for soccer field administered by AYSO. Seasonal special events also use the large outfield. The asphalt interior and perimeter paths appear to work well; however, they require attention per ADA standards. The path coming into the park from Woodlawn was widened with stone chips to accommodate vehicles coming to and from the amphitheater. The Village Market parking lots are heavily utilized by park patrons, especially during special events. The Jewel Foods parking lot is also used during large special events. There is no formal agreement for parking lot use but to date the owners have allowed the use without question. Section 4 pg. 37
IMMEDIATE CONCERNS Make priority improvements off of 2011 ADA report. Add a perimeter path to provide access to many amenities. Many amenities past a useful life Gazebo is close to the north parking lot Underutilized areas include the Fieldhouse along Oak Avenue and the area behind Phillips Flowers. There is an opportunity to create a positive signature for the Community Park District, particularly along La Grange Road and at the intersection of Oak and Sherwood Avenues. There are safety issues around the sand volleyball court. There is some cracking in the concrete amphitheater seating area. RECOMMENDED ENHANCEMENTS Replace the field house with a multi-purpose family picnic shelter and washroom facility. Construct a Splash Pad for community use. Renovate playground. Arrange walks and provide electric service in the southwest corner to allow for community and family events. Provide better parking lot separation from play areas and gazebo. Re-design volleyball / basketball area to make a 'sports core', and eliminate some site maintenance issues Add seating, clear sight lines, and make infra-structure repairs to amphitheater seating areas Make priority improvements off of 2011 ADA report. Create better defined entry points to the park with landscaping. Install new community park information sign. Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 38
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 39
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 40
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 41
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 42
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 43
STONE-MONROE PLACEMENT AND SURROUNDINGS Stone-Monroe is surrounded by detached single-family homes and is bounded by Waiola, Monroe and Stone Avenues. Two residential properties are adjacent to the south boundary. This is the only Park District property west of La Grange Road HISTORY The 2.5 acre park was purchased in most part in 1952 with the remaining piece purchased in 1965. Improvements to the existing facilities took place in 1966, 1976, 1988 & 2002. EXISTING FEATURES / SUMMARY Two small ballfields used for T-ball, last renovated in 2008. Baseball fields utilize dome style backstops installed in 1991 to protect nearby homes. Two tennis courts received a carpeted playing surface in 1992. Playground last renovated in 2002, offers two age group areas. Park Benches are dated and poorly located. IMMEDIATE CONCERNS Benches not accessible Playground not accessible Rainwater drainage needed at southwest corner Only one entry to tennis courts Ball fields need better seating and move away from roadways. Should have better curb appeal at Monroe and Waiola. Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 44
RECOMMENDED ENHANCEMENTS Make priority improvements off of 2011 ADA report. Examine need for portable restroom Consider replacing two baseball fields with one larger baseball field. Add landscaping and shade Consider replacing one tennis court with other recreational features. Replace tennis court carpet with a new one Replace sections of south boundary fence. Consider usefulness of walkway south of tennis courts Improve drainage for ball fields. Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 45
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 46
WILLIAM G. YENA PLACEMENT AND SURROUNDINGS Single family homes across two lane residential streets are located east, west and north of the park. Brook-Park School is across a two lane street to the south. St. Louise School is immediately south of Brook-Park School. HISTORY Originally this five-acre park was called Northeast Park, due to its location in the park system. All twenty-four lots comprising the park were purchased in 1952. In 1991, it was renamed the William G. Yena Park in recognition of Mr. Yena s leadership in establishing the first Community Park District recreation programs. EXISTING FEATURES / SUMMARY Newer playground ages 2-5 and 5-12 have pea gravel surface Three ½ court basketball courts One Sand volleyball court Two sod infield baseball fields Full sized soccer field crosses baseball outfields Park is used heavily by neighboring schools. There is limited street parking with a 16 car head in parking lot on south side of park One 24 x 16 shelter One 12 x12 shelter near school age playground Two tennis courts with older 10 fence Interior asphalt pathways with good connections Drinking fountain at end of life span Bike rack Mature trees and good turf Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 47
IMMEDIATE CONCERNS Benches not accessible Examine need for portable restroom Tennis court and basketball court surface is worn Strom water drain issues at north end of park Water fountain in need of frequent repair Southeast and northwest corners are unattractive Bicycle rack is not used Safety concerns for dropping off and picking up children RECOMMENDED ENHANCEMENTS Make priority improvements off of 2011 ADA report. Consider removing some of the fencing that cordons off the park. Communicate with School District to determine need Examine perimeter pathway as a combined sidewalk and access to park amenities. Replace pea gravel safety surface Resurface tennis and basketball courts Re-purpose 1 basketball court to a Skate Spot for teen users Re-configure sitting area in southeast section Re-landscape southeast section Re-consider need for water fountains Re-Roof large shelter Re-landscape at 29th and Harrison Consider re-purposing sand volleyball court Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 48
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 49
HANESWORTH PLACEMENT AND SURROUNDINGS Located in an industrial area, bordered by manufacturing / truck yards to north and south Apartments to west and then single family homes The Indiana Belt Harbor Railway is a two rail railroad that borders the east boundary. The Village Field Club facility is ½ block away. HISTORY This five acre parcel was named for a past Community Park District President who led the effort to acquire the property in 1978 with assistance from a Federal Conservation grant. The property had been a vacant lot used for sports by local residents. EXISTING FEATURES / SUMMARY A 10,000 sf community center with 96 parking stalls is located at the south end of the park. Many recreation programs use the park, including SEASPAR Two high quality baseball fields Small parking lot at northwest; Community Center overflow parking is allowed by adjacent manufacturing areas 1,500 sf concession stand building with washrooms and storage Scorers boxes for both fields; storage on northeast field Northeast field is exclusively used by La Grange Park Little League. Perimeter asphalt pathway 8 wide. 2 pathway along Barnsdale Ave Perimeter benches, not on path Newer playground area used by Park District preschool program. Has a surrounding 4 fence. Solitary swing area near concessions and railroad Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 50
IMMEDIATE CONCERNS Path along Barnsdale too narrow and unsafe Washrooms kept locked for vandalism reasons; portable restroom placed at fields RECOMMENDED ENHANCEMENTS Make priority improvements off of 2011 ADA report. Widen pathway along Barnsdale Road Find alternative use for gymnasium pad east of Recreation Center, e.g. special events, multiuse play court, splash pad, miniature golf Replace concession building with family sized shelter and better washroom solution; use time locks on doors Create entry portals at community center parking entry and at NW parking lot Monitor availability of properties to north and south for acquisition (currently strong businesses) Add landscape enhancements color and sitting boulders to help create a sense of place Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 51
Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Section 4 pg. 52