Downers Grove Park District surveys residents about future of Walnut Park

DOWNERS GROVE - The Downers Grove Park District has begun work on a long-term master plan for the existing Walnut Park property—a 19.6-acre parcel of land located on Walnut Avenue south of Ogden Avenue in the northwest corner of Downers Grove.

Community input is a vital component in developing new recreation amenities to meet the current and future needs and desires of residents living in Downers Grove. Therefore, the park district will conduct a community-wide survey to gauge the interest of specific amenities as they begin this process, according to a park district news release.

The online survey is available until Dec. 23 on the district's website at dgparks.org. By completing the survey, Downers Grove residents can choose to enter a drawing for a $100 VISA gift card.

Acquired through two past land purchases—4.8 acres in 2008 and 14.8 acres in 2015—the Walnut Park property currently features one soccer field and a small picnic pavilion with a gravel parking lot. The site is mostly undeveloped land featuring a mowed path, which connects to the Belmont Prairie Buffer and Nature Preserve.

Over the last decade, the park district has gathered input from the community regarding the development of this site. Community feedback was collected through a needs assessment, stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions. This past input indicated a high demand for an indoor sports facility featuring artificial turf and other recreation amenities.

Downers Grove Park District Executive Director Bill McAdam is eager for the district to establish a long-term vision for the Walnut Park property.

“Community engagement in the planning process for Walnut Park is essential in developing a site that meets the needs of Downers Grove residents,” McAdam said in the release. “This survey will help guide us through the master planning process as we envision the recreation opportunities this premier destination could provide for residents.”