Constitution Park Renovation Project

Fri March 15, 2024

Playground closed for construction

DOWNERS GROVE, IL—Downers Grove Park District has received three separate grants to fund park and playground improvements at Constitution Park. Located at 935 Maple Ave., the 5.2-acre site features the popular neighborhood park and playground, which is adjacent to the District’s Lincoln Center. Constitution Park currently features a large open space in addition to a playground enjoyed by children ages 2 to 12 including those in the Lincoln Learning Center Preschool and summer camp programs. The newly acquired grants will provide the Downers Grove Park District with funding to update the playground and add new amenities for visitors of all ages.

In 2023, the Park District received a $175,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Development (DCEO) to offset all costs associated with the purchase and installation of playground equipment and safety surfacing. The District also received a $425,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Department of Natural Resources, which provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space.

Most recently, Constitution Park was awarded a GameTime grant as part of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association’s Statewide Healthy Play & Recreation Initiative. The Park District will receive matching funds from GameTime play equipment manufacturer towards the purchase of new equipment that follows inclusive design principles.

As part of this initiative, the playground will also become a National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play, which allows park users to provide ongoing feedback related to the design and function of the playground. National Demonstration Sites (NDS) exemplify evidence-based best practices in design and implementation, support health-related initiatives, and provide meaningful ways for community stakeholders to gather data about the sites’ impact on the community.

Paul Fyle, Director of Planning and Construction at the Downers Grove Park District says the goal of the GameTime grant is to provide a fully accessible playground intended for children of all abilities.

“The uniquely designed playground featuring wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory experiences and more will enhance inclusive play at Constitution Park. In addition, a new walking path and pavilion will bring much-needed amenities for all to enjoy at this site,” said Fyle.

The Constitution Park renovation will also include a new pathway and the installation of a new pavilion shelter, which will be heavily utilized by summer camps held at the Lincoln Center. Park development concepts were shared with local residents at an open house held in July of 2023. Park designs were finalized last fall and the project is anticipated to be completed in late spring of 2024, at which time a community celebration will be held. For ongoing updates about the Constitution Park project, please visit dgparks.org. 

Project Updates

March 12, 2024
The existing playground has been disassembled by and donated to Kids Around the World, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, who will utilize the refurbished equipment to provide play opportunities in underprivileged countries.

March 22, 2024
The contractor continues making progress including setting forms for the new playground border, installing site drainage improvements and are soon to begin excavating for the proposed rain garden. 

April 29, 2024
The playground structures are nearly assembled. In weeks to come, the playground base will be prepared to allow installation of the new artificial turf safety surfacing.