Shaping the Future of Oak Park Parks

Wenonah Tot Lot Site Master Plan Development

The Wenonah Tot Lot is a .12-acre site located at the corner of Harrison and Wenonah Streets. The current playground includes play equipment primarily for ages 2 to 5, sand feature, benches, drinking fountain and existing mature trees. A certified arborist from Planning Resources Inc. inspected the existing trees on site and all appear to be in good health. The arborist recommends crown pruning on the two large Honeylocust Trees along the south side and general pruning of the suckers on the Ash tree.

Existing Conditions Diagram

Site Concepts

Two concepts have been developed as part of the renovation of the Tot Lot.  The design of both concepts attempts to maximize play value while staying within the Park District’s budget limitations. The small size of this park does not allow for swings to be included in either concept, because of the limited area for required fall zone dimensions. With the proximity of the Eisenhower Expressway as well as the CTA Blue Line, both concepts include a transportation theme. Both concepts will create a park, which will accommodate more users than the current Tot Lot and will be ADA accessible with the proposed wood fiber mulch or resilient rubber surfacing. In addition, both concepts propose removing the existing chain link fencing and replacing it with black, ornamental fence. Pending IDOT and Village approval, buffering of the expressway noise is proposed through the use of shadowbox fencing and deciduous trees on the south side of Harrison Street to replace the existing chain link fence.

Concept A retains a majority of the existing concrete sidewalks, the wood shadowbox fence to the north and the drinking fountain. The main entry is along the west side and includes the existing drinking fountain, a new park sign, and ornamental fencing. The fencing is set within the park at a subtle curve to allow access to the drinking fountain for all users, including a new doggie bowl for residents walking their favorite pooch. The existing picnic table, located along the pathway, will be refurbished and the existing cement turtle will become a focal point within the proposed planting bed.

As you continue into the park, new benches, a defined sand area with sand diggers and a 2-5 year old play structure are to the east. The traditional play apparatus will include panels and play pieces with car-themed components where kids can build a wide range of skills from large muscle group development to social skills.  The play area surfacing can be poured-in-place rubberized surfacing or wood fiber surfacing, depending on cost.  Interpretive signs will include information on cars and safety for young children.

For Concept B, the existing park elements will be removed except for the drinking fountain and the wood shadowbox fence to the north. PRI designed Concept B with a theme of the CTA “El” Train. The blue line serving Oak Park is just to the south of the park along the expressway. The users will be welcomed into the park with a plaza area including the drinking fountain with a doggie bowl, new landscape plantings, a park sign and fence consisting of custom fence panels highlighting the transportation theme. The custom panels can include train images, safety information, and a CTA map. A large landscape planting hugs the new sidewalk that will consist of low shade perennials and shrubs. Three seating areas are proposed including benches, game table and litter receptacle. The play apparatus proposed is a non-traditional style for 2-5 year olds called “Weevos”. The new Weevos apparatus promotes growth and development in the following areas: physical, cognitive, sensory/motor, emotional/social and language development for toddlers and preschoolers. The play area surfacing can be poured-in-place rubberized surfacing or wood fiber surfacing, depending on cost. 

In addition, a custom train car will be added as well as custom “ball toppers” with the CTA Blue Line Train image. The color theme will be silver and blue to further highlight the train ideas.

Wenonah Tot Lot Questionnaire and Community Meeting

A questioinnaire was available online from July 24 through August 6, 2009 to collect input from the community regarding the two proposed concepts for Wenonah Tot Lot. (questionnaire results)

A community meeting to collect public input regarding the two proposed park site concepts was held on Monday, August 10 at 7pm at Oak Park Conservatory.

A final plan recommendation was proposed and accepted by the Park Board at the August 20 Regular Park Board Meeting held at Hedges Administrative Center, 218 Madison Street, at 7:30pm. Public comment was welcomed at this meeting.

Final Plan Recommendation - accepted August 20, 2009

Currently construction documents are being prepared with a propsed construction start date of October 1.

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