Plainfield Park District staff, commissioners and local dignitaries celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of Van Horn Woods with a ribbon cutting held September 6 on the east side of the park near the new playground.
In July of 2022, the Park District was awarded an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $400,000 for the redevelopment of Van Horn Woods.
The primary objectives of the 87-acre Van Horn Woods development project were to:
- Enhance the natural amenities already on site
- Improve accessibility throughout
- Expand recreational and educational opportunities
Project elements included:
- Replacement of the playground at Van Horn Woods East (special inclusive focus for children on the Autism spectrum)
- Fishing pier improvements
- 9 Hole DiscGolf Course
- Shoreline restoration
- Fitness pods
- Permanent fixtures at the bike park
- Pollinator garden
- Expanded trails throughout
Pictured are (from left) Plainfield Park Board Commissioner Colette Safford, Park Board Commissioner Debra Narducci, Park Board President Bill Thoman, Will County Board Member Mica Freeman, Park Board Vice President Heath Wright, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Park Board Commissioner Tracee Steele, Will County Board Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.
