Fairview Park in St. Charles brings on the fun with renovation

ST. CHARLES – The St. Charles Park District hosted a grand reopening ceremony for Fairview Park on July 26. The ceremony celebrated the completion of a renovation at the park with a ribbon-cutting and free refreshments.

“It was due for a replacement,” said Laura Rudow, deputy director of the Park District’s Parks Department. “But we thought let’s really try to go above and beyond with this one.”

The project began in September of last year, with the Parks Department working closely with residents during the planning phase of the renovation in order to turn the park into something that would appeal to everyone.

“The community really came out during the planning process during a neighborhood meeting and gave their input,” said Erika Young, public relations and marketing manager for the Park District.

In the end, residents were able to vote between three different concepts that the Park District had drawn up, with the final design winning by an “almost unanimous vote,” Rudow said.

The Park District worked with a new equipment manufacturer to give the park a more contemporary design that featured playground classics such as swings and slides, but also climbing structures and parent-friendly amenities.

“The trend in playgrounds has changed in the last 10 years,” Rudow said. “I think the expectation is a little higher due to social media, and people being able to see in real time some of the experiences that other families are having.”

The park was completed in phases to allow residents to continue using it while it was under construction

Overall, the entire renovation cost about $250,000, according to the Park District.

“Having features [and] facilities like the playground equipment here is only going to encourage use,” Park Board Vice President Brian Charles said. “As a board, we’ll continue to throw money at projects that benefit the Park District residents.”

The reception to the park has been very warm since its completion.

“I would say that this is the most positive reception to a playground renovation since I’ve been here,” Rudow said.

“I think it’s a wonderful park,” said Keith Strutz, a resident who lives nearby. “I’ve never seen some of the designs that were used for this equipment.”

The ribbon-cutting included a few short addresses from Charles and Park District Director Holly Cabel, followed by a group photo featuring those affiliated with the Park District, city officials, and the kids who were enjoying the park during the event.

“They’re here playing; they’re not here for the hot dogs,” Charles said.

Want to go?

Fairview Park is located at the corner of Oak and 19th streets in St. Charles.