Four Parks Might get Substantial Upgrades

Members of the Sussex Park and Recreation Board have been very busy considering plans to provide aesthetic upgrades and new amenities at several local parks

 The board is examining upgrades to , W244N6067 Weaver Dr., , W234N7490 Watertower Ct., , N70W23483 Prides Rd., and which is across the street from N59W23525 Clover Dr.

“I’m extremely pleased,” said Amy Jeske, director of recreational services for the village. “It’s so exciting to be able to work on these projects to update the parks and we’re hoping that the neighbors can utilize them more.

“It’s refreshing especially when other communities are stuck with what they have, to be able to update our parks.”

The biggest task right now is to finish the master plan for Village Park which is now 52 years old. The village is considering the purchase of land just west of the park to build a Quadplex featuring four baseball diamonds.

Also under consideration are adding two additional tennis courts, two more volleyball courts, soccer fields and a water splash pad to give children a water play experience that is less expensive than a swimming pool.

The board is also looking into how current building space can be better utilized in the parks.

“It’s absolutely wonderful for the community,” said Village Administrator Jeremy Smith.  “Village Park has really been a special place for the community and for the village, from our Fourth of July events to Lions Daze, weddings, parties and other special events.  To see something get a breath of new life and direction for the future is really a tremendous thing.”

Once the master plan is finished, all public input is received and the final costs are determined within the next few months, Jeske anticipates the actual work at Village Park will take place over the next 2-3 years.

“We plan to meet with some of our organizations that use the park to get their feedback and we also want to have a public meeting where residents can voice their opinions on this new layout,” Jeske said.  “Once we have that finalized, we’ll put together some budget numbers and start the fundraising.”

Jeske added that, depending on how much money will be needed for the Village Park project, the matter may also come before voters in a referendum.

The village already has $240,000 earmarked to make improvements at Ridgeview, Prides Crossing and Spring Green parks, with work set to begin in August.  Most of the money - $160,000 – became available when the village closed its TIF district. The remaining $80,000 came from tax revenues set aside the past two years.

Ridgeview Park will get a new playground to be developed with a ship and beach theme. Rubber surfacing underground will provide a better look and will be safer than wood chips. Other amenities will include additional seating with picnic tables and benches, a stepping stone path, new signage and a drinking fountain.

Prides Crossing’s upgrades include a new half-court racquetball area, new playground light for added security, and new picnic tables and benches. In addition, the baseball backstop will be moved to make room for a basketball court.

Spring Green Park will get a new playground compete with the rubber underground surfacing and will feature a nature theme with new trees.  In addition, there will be new picnic tables, benches, drinking fountain and a path around the playground.

The Park Board is asking for public input on the Village Park master plan at its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, at the Sussex Community Center, W240N5765 Maple Ave.

“The Village Park is our largest park and it’s the cornerstone of the system,” said Park Board Chairman Bob Fourness. “It’s a recreational outlet for a variety of uses to many people. We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to see the projected plans, get their input and then determine how good a plan we can put together to satisfy as many people as we can.”