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Recreation Center Historical Stewardship Committee
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Shaping the Future of Oak Park Parks
Andersen Park Grand Re-Opening
Saturday, September 16, 2006
For information on the construction at Andersen Park, please view the Andersen Park Current Projects page. Below is information on how the site plan was developed for Andersen Park.
Andersen Park Site Master
Plan Development & Renovation Project
Focus groups regarding safety & security, buildings &
grounds, sports, passive space and creative space (see
focus group notes) were held for the development
of a site master plan for Andersen Park on November 1,
2005. At the November 15, 2005 community meeting to collect
additional information, Planning Resources provided a site
analysis (see
site analysis) to participants and conducted a survey
of participants (see
survey results). Utilizing this information as
well as information from the Parks & Recreation
Comprehensive Plan, Planning Resources developed 3 concepts
for the Andersen Park master site plan. These concepts
were presented to the Park Board of Commissioners and
the Park District Citizen Committee on November 28,
2005 and at a community meeting on November 29, 2005
at Andersen Center (see
community meeting notes). You can view these
concepts below.
The final review concept (concept B2) for Andersen Park is
available below. This concept was developed with extensive
community input. The Park Board accepted Concept B2 at the
Continued Board Meeting on January 12, 2006.
Construction began the first week in May 2006, for Phase 1 of the
Andersen Park Renovation Project. Improvements to Andersen Park include new playground
apparatus (see below), swings, a roll hill, fencing, lighting,
water fountain, walkways, interpretive signage and plantings
on the south half of the park. Three decorative paved seating
areas surround the play area. A unique feature of the
park is the woven willow dome, a group of willow trees
formed to create a distinctive play environment. The area
directly south of the Center was improved with the removal
of fencing. The addition of game tables with permanent
seating will be coming soon.
On Thursday, July 20, 2006, the Park Board approved a project
change order for the installation of a splash pad water play
area at the park. This feature, at an additional cost of
$53,615.00, was part of the original project bid in April
but funding was not available at the time the bid was awarded.
This new park amenity includes a bell-shaped spray feature,
directional jets, and ground geysers. The splash pad was
funded by tax revenues that exceeded the amount budgeted
for 2006. The Park District of Oak Park budgets less than
it's tax levy request in the event that Cook County reduces
the levy because of the tax cap. This year, the District
will receive all of the levy proceeds that were requested.
This additional revenue will be used to complete or enhance
the overdue capital improvements being made throughout our
organization, including the Andersen Park Renovation Project.
Phase 1 of the Andersen Park Renovation Project, including
the addition of the splash pad, is now complete. Funding
for this project was made available due to the passing of
the Renew Our Parks Referendum in April 2005.A grand re-opening
for Andersen Park, located at 824 N. Hayes in Oak Park, was
held on Saturday, September 16, 2006.
If you have any questions regarding the Andersen Park Project,
please contact Diane Stanke at (708) 725-2022 or dianes@oakparkparks.com.
Andersen Park Site Plan Concept A
Andersen Park Site Plan Concept B
Andersen Park Site Plan Concept C
Andersen Park Final Concept (Concept B2)
Andersen Playground
Apparatus 1
Andersen
Playground Apparatus 2
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