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Addison Park District celebrates dual grand openings, highlighting major investments in community parks

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The Addison Park District recently celebrated the grand openings of two newly improved community parks this spring, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities, accessibility, and quality of life for residents.

Community members, local officials, and park district leadership gathered to commemorate the projects, which represent substantial public investment and thoughtful planning aimed at serving Addison residents of all ages.

Centennial Park reopens with major enhancements

On May 19, the Addison Park District officially unveiled the newly renovated Centennial Park, located at 1776 W. Centennial Place. The celebration drew a large crowd of residents and dignitaries, including Addison Mayor Tom Hundley, members of the Village Board, the Addison Park District Board of Commissioners and park district staff. Executive Director Rob Bond led the ceremony with a ribbon cutting to officially reopen the park.

“Centennial Park has long been an important gathering place in Addison,” Bond said. “These renovations ensure the park remains accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for residents of all ages for decades to come.”

The $1.8 million renovation project was supported by a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant, along with local funding. The design team included Hitchcock Design Group (now RVI Planning + Landscape Architecture), and construction was completed by Clauss Brothers.

The comprehensive improvements focused on safety, accessibility, and expanded recreation, featuring:

  • A new inclusive playground with accessible play features
  • Repaved pathways for improved access to ballfields
  • New bleachers and dugouts for athletic events
  • Outdoor fitness stations
  • Updated shade structures
  • Renovated tennis court
  • Newly constructed futsal court
  • Four outdoor pickleball courts
  • Expanded landscaping and additional trees
  • A new rain garden for improved stormwater management

Families in attendance explored the new amenities, while children enjoyed the updated playground and athletic spaces.

“This playground, outdoor fitness station, and updates to our ballfields wouldn’t be possible without the vision of our Board of Commissioners, the dedication of our outstanding staff, and the support of the residents of Addison,” Bond said. 

Centennial Park is now open daily until midnight, offering year-round opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Highview Park debuts new fire station-themed playground

The celebrations continued on Friday, June 19, 2026, with the grand opening of a newly renovated playground at Highview Park, featuring a unique fire station theme.

In attendance were members of the Addison Park District Board of Commissioners, Executive Director Rob Bond, Addison Mayor Tom Hundley, and firefighters from the Addison Fire Protection District, who helped bring the theme to life and engaged with families during the event.

The playground was fully funded by the Addison Park District, with a total project cost of $450,000.

Designed to inspire imaginative play while promoting physical activity, the playground includes:

  • Climbing structures
  • Slides
  • Swings
  • A zipline feature
  • Safety-focused rubber surfacing

Children and families quickly filled the playground, exploring the interactive features and enjoying frozen treats. 

Investing in Addison’s future

Together, these projects represent a strong commitment by the Addison Park District to reinvest in community spaces and expand recreational opportunities for residents.

“These improvements reflect our mission to provide engaging, safe, and innovative spaces where our community can connect and thrive,” said Board President Michael Capizzano.

With both Centennial Park and Highview Park now open, residents are encouraged to visit and experience the new amenities designed to support active, healthy lifestyles.