If you have questions about any of the projects listed on this page, please contact Ann Viger, Park Planner, at (815) 459-0680, ext. 205 or via email at aviger@crystallakeparks.org
January 18, 2013-Update
The new building is nearly completed. Crews are putting finishing touches on the inside – hanging fire extinguishers, signs, etc. Landscaping will be completed in the spring when the ground thaws. Watch here for further notices. In the meantime, thanks to all of our neighbors for your patience during construction!
December 21, 2012-Update
Interior finishing work is moving quickly. Plumbing fixtures, cabinets and countertops are being installed.
December 5, 2012-Update
Interior work is in full swing at the new West Beach Building. Insulation has been installed throughout the building and drywall is underway. The construction fencing has been completely removed from around the site. We appreciate everyone’s patience during construction! The new facility will be a fantastic improvement to West Beach!
November 29, 2012-Update
The construction fencing is almost completely removed and the new ornamental fencing is installed. Crews are working to pour the remaining concrete areas such as curbs and walkways before the weather is too cold. Inside, work continues on heating, electrical and plumbing. ComEd and Nicor will be making their connections to the building in the near future.
November 14, 2012-Update
Passersby will notice that the siding is almost entirely finished on the building and the windows and doors have all been installed. Concrete for the patio and accessible ramp is being installed this week. Inside the building, ductwork for the HVAC system is underway.
November 7, 2012-Update
Roofing, siding, windows and decking have all been started this week. The building will be enclosed very soon – just in time for winter. The new water well has been drilled. Construction is proceeding very smoothly.
October 31, 2012-Update
Contractors are moving quickly to “close up” the building before winter. Sun tunnels were installed to provide lighting into the restrooms and interior hallway. The outside deck has been framed up and installation of trim boards has started. Watch for roof shingles to start appearing soon!
October 24, 2012-Update
Even with the rainy weather this week, work has continued on the new building. Inside, the plumbing and electrical work is being “roughed in” and studs are in place for the walls. Installation of exterior siding will begin shortly. The construction fencing has been moved away from the road now that conditions are safer around the project site. This should enable pedestrians and bicyclists to move past the site more easily but we still advise that you use extreme caution in the area.
October 19, 2012-Update
The new building is taking shape very quickly, with walls and roof being constructed this week. Around the site, concrete stairs, curbs and piers are being poured.
October 11, 2012-Update
We have walls and soon we will have a roof! Wet and windy weather slowed down progress for a few days this week, but watch for big changes in the days to come.
October 3, 2012-Update
Passersby will notice changes every day now that the building shell is under construction. The contractors are moving quickly in hopes of having the building enclosed before the first snowfall.
Aerial photograph provided by Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc., Civil Engineers
September 26, 2012-Update
The floor slab was poured this week which means the building walls will begin rising soon. Work on the handicap access ramp, stairways and deck supports is currently in progress.
September 19, 2012-Update
The building is beginning to rise above ground level this week! Plumbers and electricians have been hard at work laying out utilities before the floor slab can be poured. The new sea wall is nearly complete and looks beautiful. Now we just need the lake to rise so the water actually touches the wall!
September 5, 2012-Update
Removal of the existing steel sea wall is underway. The new sea wall will be a natural looking stone product that blends in nicely with the surroundings. Work continues on the foundation walls. The weather is cooperating nicely, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for a long, warm fall!
August 29, 2012-Update
Concrete began arriving on site a few days ago. Portions of the footing and foundation wall have been poured. Sea wall removal and replacement will begin in several days. The low water level in the lake will help with construction of the new sea wall because there is less water to pump away from the construction zone.
August 22, 2012-Update
Excavation for the building foundation walls has begun. Material is being dug out and trucked away from the site throughout the day. Please continue to be cautious when driving and walking in the area. Large equipment and trucks are entering and leaving the site on a regular basis.
August 14, 2012-Update
The former West Beach bath house has been demolished and the site is being cleared for new construction. Temporary dams have been placed around the steel sea wall in preparation for its removal and replacement. The public is asked to drive slowly past the construction site and watch for vehicles entering and exiting the road. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
August 8, 2012- Update
The long awaited renovation of West Beach is underway! Demolition of the old beach house began on August 8. Construction of a new stone sea wall will begin soon, replacing the steel sheet pile wall currently along the lakeshore. Construction fencing has been installed around the job site for safety of the public. Please excuse the inconvenience this may cause during construction.
General Information About Crystal Lake Park District Playgrounds
The Crystal Lake Park District follows a playground replacement schedule. Each of our 22 playgrounds is inspected several times each year for safety and maintenance purposes. The replacement schedule is adjusted each year depending on the condition of every playground. In general, playgrounds are replaced when they reach 15-18 years of age. One or two playgrounds are replaced each year as budget permits.
Woodland Estates Park
Update-April 29, 2013
The new playground at Woodland Estates Park is open and ready for summer fun! Thanks to all the neighbors for their patience during construction.
Update-November 29, 2012
Due to cold weather, the safety surfacing at both Ken Bird and Woodland Estates Playgrounds cannot be installed until next spring. Both playgrounds are closed for the winter. Please visit one of our other 20 playgrounds throughout the park district!
Woodland Estates Park
Update-November 16, 2012
The climbing structure has been installed and the benches, bike racks and other play pieces are ordered. A small concrete patio will be poured in the next several days. If the weather warms up (40 degrees and rising for several days) the rubber safety surfacing can be installed. New trees have been planted around the perimeter of the playground.
Woodland Estates Park
Update-November 8, 2012
Equipment is being installed at Woodland Estates park this week and is nearly complete. A play structure with a variety of climbers, slides and platforms is shown.
Woodland Estates Park
Update-October 30, 2012
The playground at Woodland Estates Park is being replaced. The old playground was nearly 20 years old and some of the equipment was obsolete meaning that repairs parts were no longer available. This combined with new safety and handicap accessibility standards, necessitates starting over with a new playground. A meeting was held with interested neighbors to review optional playground equipment and layouts before settling on a design. Amenities will include climbers and slides, rocks and tree stumps for climbing, a shade structure, benches and safety surfacing. Construction began three weeks ago and is currently moving slowly due to the rainy weather.
Woodland Estates Park
Update-November 6, 2012
Work is back on track now that the weather has dried out. The retaining wall and boulders are complete and part of the surfacing has been installed. Playground equipment should start appearing any day.
Ken Bird Park
Update-May 6, 2013
The new playground is open and ready for play! We hope you enjoy the improvements!
Ken Bird Park
Update-November 29, 2012
Due to cold weather, the safety surfacing at both Ken Bird and Woodland Estates Playgrounds cannot be installed until next spring. Both playgrounds are closed for the winter. Please visit one of our other 20 playgrounds throughout the park district!
Ken Bird Park
Update-November 16, 2012
Installation of the climbing structure is well underway this week. The benches, bike racks and picnic tables are ordered. If the weather warms up (40 degrees and rising for several days) the rubber safety surfacing can be installed. New trees have been planted around the perimeter of the playground.
Ken Bird Park
Update-November 8, 2012
Equipment installation will begin soon at Ken Bird Park. The concrete patio and curbing are complete.
Ken Bird Park
Update-October 30, 2012
The old playground at Ken Bird Park was nearly 20 years old and repairs parts were no longer available. Since it was installed new safety and handicap accessibility standards have been adopted so the entire playground needed redesign. A meeting was held with interested neighbors to review optional playground equipment and layouts before settling on a design. Amenities will include climbers and slides, a shade structure, picnic tables, benches and safety surfacing. Construction began three weeks ago and is currently moving slowly due to the rainy weather.
Ken Bird Park
Update-November 6, 2012
Concrete was recently poured for new walkways and a patio area near the playground. Concrete curbs will surround the new playground and contain the safety surfacing. Work is proceeding well.
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