Public input needed for new playground designs

Wed July 27, 2022

DeKalb, IL- The DeKalb Park District would like to invite residents to participate in a public input meeting to help choose the design for new playground equipment that will be installed next spring at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road. 

This meeting will be in an open house format. It will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Monday, August 8 at the Hopkins Playground, located at 1403 Sycamore Road. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved indoors to the Terrace Room inside the Hopkins Park Community Center.

Although playground equipment is inspected and maintained regularly, most playgrounds are replaced roughly every 15-17 years. The current playground was last installed in 2005.

“We know it can be hard saying goodbye to the playgrounds we have grown up knowing and loving,” commented Superintendent of Parks and Development, Mat Emken. “Playground replacements allow us to add amenities such as more ADA-compliant play structures, create play areas that are appropriate for a wider range of age groups, and create an opportunity to envision new play spaces that connect users to the natural surroundings of the park.” 

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, a public poll with a link to the design concepts will be available on the District website from August 9-16. Park district staff want to thank the community in advance for providing input on this exciting project coming soon to one of DeKalb’s most popular community parks.

For more information, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com. If you have any questions, contact Mat Emken, Superintendent of Parks and Development, at memken@dekalbparkdistrict.com or (815) 756-9939 ext. 7276.