The Kankakee Valley Park District is kicking off summer in style with a free concert at the newly renovated Don Palzer Bandshell at Bird Park in Kankakee.

The park district is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Bird Park is considered the KVPD’s flagship park.

It has been undergoing a major overhaul.

The $1.2 million project saw the 20-year-old splash pad brought back to life.

The project included upgraded playground equipment, a meditation garden as well as improvements at the Don Palzer Bandshell and the baseball fields on the park’s north side.

A $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources helped fund the $1.2 million project.

The other $600,000 comes from funding that state Sen. Elgie Sims Jr., D-Chicago, helped secure in the state’s budget.

“This is a great way for a family to enjoy a day at the park. There are many features, and it is free and open to the public,” Ross Bruni, executive director for KVPD, told the Daily Journal in April.

Festivities start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, along with the Bird Park Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony. Music featuring Motown Nation will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Local food trucks and drinks will be on site to buy, along with fun activities. Bringing blankets and lawn chairs is recommended.

Bird Park is located at 893 W. Station St. in Kankakee.

A second installment in the concert series, featuring The Country Night, will take place Aug. 20 at the same time.