Each year, the Downers Grove Park District allocates capital funds for park and facility improvement projects; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 budget will be significantly impacted. The Park District is still budgeting to have funds available for Capital Expenditures in a smaller and more conservative 2021 budget, to be funded by operating revenues that could potentially be available for the second half of the year. Staff and the Board will determine the availability these dollars for capital projects during the Spring/Summer of 2021, when a clearer picture of the COVID-19 situation can be gained. The following is a list of Capital projects under consideration for funding in 2021.
Prince Pond Dredging and Shoreline Renovation: The scope of this project included dredging of the pond to remove accumulated sediment; reconstruction of the shoreline and flagstone walkway along the east edge of the pond; and ADA improvements to provide wheelchair access to the brick patio at the north end of the pond. This project began in December of 2020 and was completed in 2021.
Golf Course Driving Range Tee Expansion: This project will create more driving range hitting stations to the east of the range shelter, minimizing possible wait times. At the same time, the expansion will also create a new private lesson area for our guests that will provide an optimal learning environment.
ADA Improvements: The FY2021 budget includes funds allocated for accessibility improvements within our existing parks and facilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2021, approximately $100,000 is budgeted for correcting deficiencies at various locations as identified in the District's current ADA Transition Plan.
THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS HAD BEEN BUDGETED IN 2020, BUT WERE POSTPONED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
Patriots Park - Pedestrian Bridge Replacement: The existing pedestrian bridge at the east end of Barth Pond is currently in poor condition and due for replacement. In 2020, the District's engineering consultant began the design and permitting process. This project was issued for public bid in 2021, and installation of the new bridge will take place in early 2022.
McCollum Park Sprayground and Tennis Improvements: This project includes a new Sprayground, renovated tennis courts with new LED lighting, renovated concession plaza, new park shelters, and resurfacing of the existing asphalt perimeter pathway. In 2020, the District's consultants completed the Schematic Design phase, but had not yet completed engineering drawings before the project was put on hold in April 2020. If the project is resumed in 2021, the next steps would include preparing final engineering plans and bid documents, completing the permitting process with the Illinois Department of Public Health, and issuing the project for public bid.
Doerhoefer Park Irrigation Replacement: The current irrigation system was installed in 1999, and has required numerous repairs in recent years. A new irrigation system would provide an opportunity to increase operational efficiency by including new web-based monitoring and control, and water efficiency through the use of flow sensors or other technologies.
