Reskin Park, due to its age and changing recreational demand within the community, has become a high priority for redevelopment. The process the Village took to develop the final plan began in 1999 with a neighborhood survey followed up by the development of a master plan. The master plan was presented to the neighborhood on two separate occasions. After neighborhood approval the Village Board accepted the design and included the redevelopment of Reskin Park in the Village’s capital improvement plan. In order to assist with funding the Village applied to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for an “Open Space Land Acquisition and Development” (OSLAD) grant. The Village was successful in receiving $800,000 reimbursable grant reward.

Improvements to the Park

Phase One (OSLAD Grant Application 2005)
The south side of the park is designed for family oriented recreation and includes picnic facilities, a horseshoe court, open lawn areas, and planted tree groves. The south parking lot is reduced to a more appropriate size for the intended facilities. Native plantings are proposed along the length of the stream channel to beautify the park, stabilize the banks (being completed under 319 grant noted below), and increase filtration of overland storm water runoff. There are also stone outcropping and steps at strategic locations for increased stabilization and access to the waters edge. The stream is viewed as a valuable resource for users to interact with and children to experience a part of nature. A small number of interpretive signs and elements are proposed along the stream channel and path to better facilitate interaction and promote stewardship. Throughout the park are landscape improvements, improved bridge structures, and a path system with accent lighting. The path is proposed to be 10 feet wide to allow for maintenance and emergency vehicles, and increased surveillance access.

Phase Two (OSLAD Grant Application 2006)
Phase two consolidates the active recreation facilities at the north end of the side and utilizes the location of the existing concession building. The facilities include a 5,000 square foot play environment, picnic shelter and plaza, improved player and fan area, path system, and gentle berming with landscape. These facilities are consolidated to allow the family to attend a ball game and be in close proximity of complimenting recreational activities.

The ball field is re-oriented from southwest to northwest for a more desired angle for the batter to the late day sun. The re-orientation also creates more space for the adjacent facilities and creates less potential for left field foul balls to go towards the neighboring residencies. The north parking lot is expanded to address parking needs during games and a drop off area for added convenience.