Shaping the Future of Oak Park Parks

Randolph Tot Lot Site Master Plan Development

A site master plan has been developed for Randolph Tot Lot. The overall objective of a site plan is to provide “a framework or blueprint for future park renewal.”

Randolph Tot Lot is located on Randolph Street between Grove Avenue and Oak Park Avenue. Originally a .16 acre site, the Park District recently received transfer of the property which lies directly east of the original tot lot from the Village of Oak Park, doubling the size of the park. The property is divided by an alley. Current park amenities include playground equipment for ages 2 to 5 years.

The following is an outline of the planning process.

Focus groups were held in late July to begin to collect information regarding the current and future use of Randolph Tot Lot. The first focus group discussed safety & security, park landscaping and maintenance, and the various ways to connect the two pieces of land which make up the tot lot.(Focus Group 1 Notes) The second focus group was held at the Oak Park Arms, collecting input from current Arms residents. (Focus Group 2 Notes)

The first community meeting to gather initial public input regarding the current and future use of Randolph Tot Lot was held on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 7pm at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home. The site analysis was reviewed through a power point presentation (large file) and input from the attendees was collected. (meeting notes)

A questionnaire was available from Wednesday, August 5 through Monday, August 17 on this web page to collect additional public input. (questionnaire results)

A second community meeting to present 3 draft concepts (schemes) and collect additional community input was held on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home.(power point presentation - large file) A questionnaire was available from August 27 through September 9 to collect additional input regarding the 3 schemes presented. (second questionnaire results)

A third community meeting to present a final draft site plan recommendation took place on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 7pm at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home. (power point presentation)

Final Draft Recommendation

Next Steps
The Park Board of Commissioners reviewed the Randolph Tot Lot Site Plan final draft recommendation at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street. At the Regular Park Board Meeting on Thursday, October 22, 2009 the Park Board accepted the Randolph Tot Lot Site Plan.

Accepted Randolph Tot Lot Master Plan

Enlarged Randolph Tot Lot Playground

Randolph Tot Lot Tree Preservation Plan

The Park District of Oak Park values public input and feedback. To provide input or for further information, please contact Diane Stanke at (708) 725-2022 or dianes@oakparkparks.com.

Randolph Tot Lot Site Master Plan
Public Meeting Schedule

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 7pm at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home,
Community Meeting to collect initial community input.

Wednesday, August 26 , 2009 at 7pm at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home,
Community Meeting to to review preliminary site concepts and collect additional public input.

Wednesday, September 16 2009 at 7pm at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home,
Community Meeting to present a final draft recommendation and collect public input.

Thursday, October 1, 2009, 7:30pm, Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield
Park Board Committee of the Whole Meeting to discuss site plan recommendation.

Thursday, October 22, 2009, 7:30pm, Hedges Administrative Center, 218 Madison
Park Board Meeting to consider acceptance of plan.