Earlier this week, the Village of Park Forest Department of Recreations, Parks & Community Health announced major changes are coming to Cedar Park’s playground equipment. 

Parks Foreman Kevin Rogge mentioned that Cedar Park currently has the oldest playground equipment in the park system and stated that they have plans to remove the old sets and bring in new ones over the next few months.

"We will be reinstalling brand new swings, including belt swings and toddler swings," Rogge said. "Besides replacing what is already there, we are adding an 'all-inclusive spinner.' This is essentially a modern-day merry-go-round." 

Rogge said the new spinner at Cedar Park would be the third one in the park system. He added they are very popular with kids. Despite the expected ongoing construction over the next few months, Rogge said the park will remain open.

"We will begin pulling out the existing equipment in the coming weeks," Rogge said. "This area will be fenced off during construction. We will prep the area ahead of the anticipated late July delivery date for the new equipment for a quicker turnaround."

Rogge said the goal is to install the new playground equipment by the end of August. However, he cautioned that delivery delays, weather impacts, and other factors could delay the project's completion. 

The total price of the equipment is approximately $14,000, and it is being funded through the department's capital plan. "Play Equipment Upgrades" is an annually recurring capital plan item that covers routine maintenance costs and new projects, such as the upgrades at Cedar Park.

Rogge mentioned that the department's crews will be responsible for installing the equipment instead of hiring a contractor, which will help keep costs down. The goal is to ensure that all parks in the Village receive investments so that residents from various neighborhoods can access updated parks.

"Social equity is a main pillar of our departmental mission statement," Rogge said. "Many residents see the work being done in our larger parks, such as Central and Somonauk. However, we understand the importance of serving every park, big or small."

Rogge continued, "When you look at the options for kids east of Western Ave, there aren't many play opportunities for them currently. Cedar Park is a great centralized green space for our residents east of Western. As somebody with young children, the thought of my kids having to cross Western to find a playground constantly is neither ideal nor safe. Providing new, safe, accessible equipment this fall will be a huge upgrade to the space."

Rogge mentioned that residents have been requesting an upgrade for Cedar Park, which will be carried out over the next few weeks.