The Addison Park District celebrated the re-grand opening of Community Park on Aug. 14, continuing its commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities and creating more accessible outdoor spaces for residents of all ages and abilities.
Executive Director Rob Bond officially opened the celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcoming remarks, unveiling the park's extensive renovations and new amenities. The event was paired with a community-focused back-to-school initiative, highlighting the park's role as a gathering place for local families.
Located at 120 E. Oak St. in Addison, Community Park now features brand-new accessible walking paths, two shade structures, four pickleball courts, a half-court basketball court, a futsal court and a refreshed splash pad. As part of the renovation effort, surplus dirt from the project is also being repurposed to create a new sled hill for community use. The $2.2 million renovation project was partially funded through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Program, helping bring improved recreational opportunities and accessibility enhancements to the community.
Immediately following the ribbon cutting, the park district hosted its first post-renovation event, "Opening Night," a family-friendly back-to-school celebration that provided free backpacks and school supplies to local families.
Backpacks were generously donated by Addison School District 4, while nearly 20 local organizations participated by offering family resources, games, activities and giveaways. Families explored the park's new amenities while participating in a variety of activities designed for all ages. “Opening Night” also featured a screening of the movie Wonka, inside Community Gymnasium, complete with free popcorn.
The event showcased the power of community partnerships. Addison Township provided complimentary hot dogs for attendees, while the office of State Rep. Norma Hernandez partnered with EPIC Academy Barber School to offer free snow cones and student haircuts. NEDSRA also contributed a free photo booth for families to enjoy throughout the evening. Steve Meyering from Love Notes Events provided his DJ service for the night.
“This event started as a small idea and has evolved into a wonderful display of what makes Addison special.” Bond said. “The teamwork and support of our legislators, area taxing bodies, community partners, and local businesses to offer families a free public event that closes out summer and welcomes the new school year is an amazing demonstration of the true collaboration this community is built around. This is something we should all be proud of.”
The celebration attracted over 500 attendees, including Addison Mayor Tom Hundley, Village of Addison staff and members of the Addison Park District Board of Commissioners.
Community Park is now open daily until midnight, with the splash pad operating until 5 p.m. through Labor Day, providing residents with another welcoming destination for outdoor recreation throughout the year.
The Community Park renovation represents the Addison Park District's third park improvement project completed this summer and reflects the district's continued investment in enhancing parks and facilities across Addison.
Looking ahead, in addition to the shaping and sodding of a new community sled hill, the Park District's next major projects will focus on improving accessibility at Centennial Gym, 1776 W. Centennial Place, with the installation of a more accessible entrance including a new awning, and the re-paving of Community Rec Center’s parking lots and pathways, made possible through a recently awarded an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant in the amount of $180,000.
"The Addison Park District is making it our priority to reinvest in our current facilities by upgrading them to accessible, engaging play areas and open recreation spaces for the citizens of Addison and all who enjoy our parks,” said Addison Park District Board President Stacy Ruffolo. “Recently, a facility assessment was completed, and a comprehensive master plan was started. It is the goal of the Board of Commissioners and park district staff to provide the most accessible, most up-to-date and most fiscally, responsible facilities, and recreation areas for all. In addition, partnering with other taxing entities to provide amazing events, such as opening night, just makes sense.”
