September 17, 2024
Enjoy cooler temperatures, see vibrant fall foliage, and reconnect with nature at one of Palatine Park District’s 45 parks this season.
Did you know parks provide health benefits from reduced anxiety and a cleaner environment to physical activity and social interaction? Amy Vito, Superintendent of Parks, said fall is a perfect time to visit parks. “The weather is still relatively warm and sunny during the day,” she said. “School has started, and kids are trying to adjust to a new routine. Playgrounds give them an outlet to express, challenge, and be themselves in a fun atmosphere during this transition. Parks offer many recreation options, including walking trails, exercise equipment, and athletic courts.”
Cedar Park, located at 501 W. Palatine Road, will soon be getting a new playground. It’s safe to say most people have heard of recycling, but what about upcycling? In partnership with Kids Around the World, a non-for-profit organization, removal of the current playground is underway. According to Kids Around the World, “Transforming playgrounds through upcycling and planting them in impoverished communities worldwide ensures that every child has access to play – an essential component for their physical, emotional, and social growth.” The organization has built 1207 playgrounds in 87 countries.
“They repair, retrofit, paint, and more,” Vito said. “The Kids Around the World team vets communities in need and matches play structures that would work best for those communities,” she added. Construction on Cedar Park’s new playground will start as soon as removal of the old structure is completed. “We usually expect new playground construction to take 4-6 weeks.” Cedar Playground will include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and standard swings, spinner, talk tubes, play panels, and a composite structure including climbers, slides, horizontal bars, and stepping pods.
In addition to Cedar Park, visitors can find more parks to explore by picking up the District’s Guide To Parks & Trails at any facility or looking at the Find a Park, interactive map.
With 97 acres, Hamilton Reservoir, 1037 N. Smith Road, is known for its Gbur sports fields. It includes athletic fields, ball diamonds, pickleball courts, playground equipment, shelter rentals, trail access, and access pathways. According to Vito, the playground was recently renovated. “It features poured in place surfacing, meaning it is not mulch. It’s a rubber-like surface that is accessible to everyone.” Hamilton also hosts StoryWalk®, a literacy program presented by Palatine Library.
Located at 745 W. Wood Street, Margreth Riemer Reservoir offers 91 acres of parklands featuring disc golf, shelter rental, skate park, sledding, trail access, and access pathways. Riemer is known for its sled hill in winter, which also gives spectacular views of Palatine during the summer. It’s one of the highest elevations in Palatine. “It’s also very popular with disc golf players because of its wide and somewhat challenging course, especially because of the wind,” Vito added. Several memorial trees are planted throughout the reservoir and there are two “bowls” or ponds. “The reservoir is designed to route heavy rainfall through the bowls, down the spillway, and under Palatine and Quentin roads to prevent flooding.”
And don’t forget fall fun for Fido! Plum Grove Reservoir, located on the Harper College campus has 44 acres including a dog park, fishing area, playground equipment, shelter, trail access, and access pathways. Two separate fenced in areas for large and small dogs are offered. “In spring, the reservoir is stocked with fish,” Vito said. “Plum Grove is the only reservoir we maintain that contains a dam. That is the large concrete piece that looks like it is “floating” in the middle. It acts as an overflow drain. If the water level gets too high, it will help catch water, so roadways don’t flood. “
As temperatures change the work at the parks changes as well. “Fall athletics have started, so crews are focusing on football and soccer fields mostly, along with the fall season of baseball,” Vito said. “Many of the annual planting displays are winding down and horticulture crews will plant fall annuals like mums and pansies in high traffic beds. Fall is also our tree planting season. The warmer days and cooler evenings are great growing conditions for turf grass, so the mowing crew is kept much busier with mowing athletic fields and facilities.”
As part of your fall fun this year, take time to peruse your parks, and soak up the beauty and health benefits of a walk in the park…and so much more!
