Grand opening celebration: McCollum Park
Monday, Aug. 3 • 4-5:30PM • FREE!
6801 Main St., Downers Grove
Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks at 4:15 p.m., followed by free ice cream, bottled water, music, a special giveaway, free mini golf, lawn games, and fun at the playground and sprayground.
NOW OPEN!
The majority of the McCollum Park improvement project is now complete and open for the community to enjoy! The new playground, outdoor fitness area, game areas, and pavilion are all open for play. The horseshoe courts will remain closed temporarily to allow the new sod time to become established.
about the improvement project
The McCollum Park Improvement Project is supported by a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, announced by Governor JB Pritzker on December 16, 2024. With these upgrades, the Park District is ensuring the park remains vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming for generations to come.
construction updates
- Beginning Feb. 26: Playground, horseshoe courts, game area, and outdoor fitness area closed for construction
- Week of March 2: Kids Around the World staff and volunteers removed the old playground equipment (see photo)
- March 16: Contractor began removing the existing playground curbs and old mulch play surfacing
- April 10: New concrete sidewalk was installed leading to the horseshoe courts, and concrete was poured forming two of the new horseshoe courts
- April 13: Contractor installed the new shade structures at the concession seating area and game area (see photo)
- April 14: New fitness equipment is assembled and installed within the existing fitness area (see photo)
- April 20: Contractor began assembling and installing the new 2-5 age play structures (see photo)
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- April 28: Contractor began assembling the large 5-12 age play structure (see photo) (PlaySTAX1)
- May 12: More progress on the tall 5-12 age play structure (see photo) (PlaySTAX2)
- May 12: Contractor has completed assembly of the picnic shelter framework (see photo) (McCollum Shelter)
- May 29: Picnic shelter roof has been installed and the shelter is now complete
- June 4: All material for the synthetic turf playground surfacing is delivered to McCollum Park
- June 9: Turf contractor begins installing the playground surfacing throughout the 2-5 age play area (see photo) (McCollum turf)
- June 15: Synthetic turf surfacing has been installed in the renovated fitness area
- June 16: Turf contractor begins installing playground surfacing throughout the 5-12 age play area
- July 17: Playground, outdoor fitness area, and game areas are open for play. The horseshoe courts will remain closed temporarily to allow the new sod time to establish.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
The transformation at McCollum Park will bring brand-new playgrounds and recreational amenities designed to serve visitors of all ages and abilities.
School-Age Play Area (Ages 5–12)
- A 3-story “PlayStax” structure, with ramps that provide wheelchair access onto a portion of the play tower.
- A “Zoom Twist”—a unique merry-go-round with climbing ropes on top, combining spinning and climbing play.
- A 40-foot-long track ride with dual tracks, allowing two kids to race side by side. One of the tracks will feature a high-back inclusive swing seat, ensuring children of all abilities can enjoy the ride together.
- Additional play elements including tall slides, spinners, and climbing features.
Preschool Play Area (Ages 2–5)
- A new play structure with multiple slides designed for younger children.
- A “Team Totter” see-saw to promote cooperative play.
- Two new ground-level playhouses, including one designed to resemble a fire station in reference to the neighboring Downers Grove Fire Station at the north edge of McCollum Park.
- Expanded swing options, with 12 total swings—two more than the current playground.
Additional Recreation Enhancements
- A new 24'x34' pavilion in the playground area featuring a unique overlapping roof design.
- Revitalized outdoor fitness area with new surfacing and modern equipment.
- Renovated baggo set and historic horseshoe courts with updated features and accessibility.
- Fabric shade structures over concession patio seating and the games area for visitor comfort.
Construction updates and project progress will be shared here at dgparks.org.