Romeoville updates plan for new park

The village of Romeoville updated its plans for new recreational amenities on the property along 135th Street across the street from the U.S. post office.

Plans for Romeo Crossing Park include two separate dog park areas for large and small dogs, shelters, water fountains, waste stations and a parking lot with more than 30 spaces.

The first two phases of the four-phase project are underway, according to a news release.

The second phase of the project will focus on the ground: earth grading, drainage and seeding of the entire area. A new 23-foot-high sled hill will be added with a 100-foot slope. The village said the hill “is sure to instantly become the best snow hill in Romeoville.”

“This project will finally give dogs a place to run around, meet other dogs and have owners meet each other,” Mayor John Noak said in a statement. “Also, it will add needed sports fields to our roster. Residents will be able to come to Romeo Crossing to play soccer, baseball, go sledding and more.”

The third and fourth phases of the project will bring an adapted sports field and lights, restrooms and concessions, a playground and challenge course, another shelter, baggo, trails, stairs and a seating area to the hill for warm weather activities. The challenge course will be more than 3,000 square feet of fitness obstacles arranged in a circuit on artificial turf.

The final phase will begin the installation of three baseball fields with lighting, batting cages and the build-out of the parking lot with another 280-plus spaces.

With the additional amenities in this plan, and to maximize the cost-effectiveness of each phase, the construction timeline on Romeo Crossing has expanded. The first two phases are underway. The main portion of the construction is planned for between June and October of this year.