The Best Of Both Worlds

A redevelopment project combines action and nature to draw a crowd

By Robert Gunther

Coming soon to Park Forest, Ill., Somonauk Nature Adventure Park combines adventure and nature in one park-redevelopment strategy. Planned renovations for the 16-acre park include construction of a two-acre pond with native, prairie, and emergent wetland, recreational fishing, and kayaking. Additional site amenities include walks; accessible, elevated seating; and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and ziplines. The project also becomes part of the village’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater management.

Located approximately 30 miles south of downtown Chicago, Park Forest is a community of about 22,000, and is one of America’s first post-war, planned communities; its innovative design has been recognized and used as a model for towns elsewhere. The community’s original master plan ensured convenient commercial centers, a child-safe pattern of curved streets, a business and light-industrial park, and multiple, neighborhood school and recreational facilities. Village residents have access to more than 2,000 acres of parks and public lands, which include 18 neighborhood and community parks and the Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve.

Project Details

Somonauk Park, the second-largest community park in the village, was last renovated with new playground equipment in 1992. The large picnic pavilion dates from 1976. About 10 years ago, the idea to renovate the park as a natural play area was conceived by parks staff, and plans were developed. The Village Board of Trustees then reviewed the plans, and with their approval, monies were set aside to fund the project. Over time, the design evolved into The Somonauk Nature Adventure Park project, as described above. The renovation is funded by a $395,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Open Space Land Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) program, matched by funds from the village. The overall goal of the project is to redevelop Somonauk Park as a destination for residents, offering numerous, unique recreational and adventure opportunities not found in the greater Chicago south-suburban area.

Adventure opportunities include a two-acre pond for fishing and recreational kayaking and a terraced hill with 175 feet of ziplines that follow the contours of the hillside. Fishing is available from two accessible piers and the boat house, which also includes the kayak launch. Kayaking will be open seasonally, free of charge for those with their own kayaks. Kayak rentals will also be available for a small fee, during specified hours. A distinctive landscape feature is the “Wave Field,” an area of small, contoured, grassy mounds on which to run, roll around, or just sit on. The Wave Field will be adjacent to a relocated basketball court, providing spectator seating and visual interest.

Some concern has been expressed by the public about the inherent risks of the pond. From the concept stage forward, this issue was taken into account, and design features included mitigating the risks as much as possible. The use of emergent landscaping—planted into large, shallow shelves—will leave no open pond edges, and a heavily planted prairie will surround the pond. Once the landscape matures, there will be no easy access to the water’s edge.

Another concern was the zipline. Generally thought of as an elevated structure, the sloped hillside allows for an exciting ride while still keeping the users only two feet above the ground.

Passive features of the project include a terraced, accessible hill with elevated vantage points to view the park, walkways, benches, and pergolas with oversized “porch” swings. A rocky brook with large boulders and cobbles will course down the hill, adding to the water feature and pond recirculation, keeping the water fresh and aerated. Lastly, a “Friendship Circle,” available for family and neighborhood gatherings, will be located near the water’s edge and surrounded by the prairie.

Somonauk Park is also a major cog in the Park Forest Bike and Pedestrian Plan; this project includes an 850-foot, multi-use trail as a connecting link to the village’s bike and pedestrian ways. Additional projects (not part of the OSLAD funding but part of the park renovation) include renovating the playground, replacing the community picnic pavilion, relocating a basketball court, and completing the multi-use trail connections to the existing, designated bike and pedestrian ways.

Park Forest has a long history of environmental awareness. For the past two decades, the village has made a concerted effort to become “the most sustainable community in Illinois,” landing several awards in the process. In keeping with the village’s sustainability goals, extensive use of emergent and prairie landscaping adds another two acres to the existing 55 acres of designated natural habitat within the village. Existing habitats include an ongoing, 50-acre wetland-restoration project, three one-acre raingardens in three separate parks, and two acres of planted prairie in the downtown village green.  The pond location takes advantage of an existing drainage-way, becoming part of the village’s BMP for stormwater management, adding to overall stormwater retention.

Community Benefits

Somonauk Park is located in the middle of a census tract that is 60-percent minority and 13 percent below the poverty level. Business development is lacking in this area, and both public and private community leaders view the project as one that will draw both residents and businesses to the southern part of the village. Many residents have expressed their eagerness to see the park re-opened and to take advantage of the new amenities.

Funding

The village maintains a rolling, five-year Capital Improvement Plan. This allows the Village Board to prioritize and fund these projects through its budget process. Additionally, specific larger projects can be assigned to a Capital Projects Fund, where monies are accumulated. Beginning in 2016, Park Forest set aside funds, which are used as matching funds for the OSLAD grant. Funding for additional projects is budgeted from the general fund.

Lessons Learned

• There can never be too much public information distributed during a redevelopment project.

• Be prepared for the “nay-sayers”; some may surprise you.

• Thoroughly review a project for inherent hazards and safety concerns.

• Convene an on-site, public question-and-answer session, which can be very helpful.

• Once a project is conceived, begin to set aside funds.

• Be prepared for delays.

Overall, Somonauk Nature Adventure Park promises to be a wonderful addition to the park system and an economic boon for the village.

Robert Gunther is Director of Recreation, Parks & Community Health for the Village of Park Forest, Ill. Contact him at rgunther@vopf.com.