The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Community Health announced on Friday that Somonauk Park's grand reopening is scheduled for late next month.
The grand reopening of Somonauk Park will happen during Fall Fest on Sept 30. The event will have food vendors, games, and giveaways. Additionally, there will be a chili cook-off.
Director Kevin Adams says residents will appreciate the updates to Somonauk Park.
"We have something for everyone," Adams said. "From an all-inclusive playground built for children of all abilities to a park with natural resources, unlike anything you'll find in the Southland."
The Village held a ground-breaking ceremony in May 2021 and was hopeful the redevelopment of Somonauk Park would be open to the public in July of the following year.
Nearly a year later, the park is still undergoing construction as the project was delayed by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included supply chain issues.
Now the park will schedule to have its grand reopening in September. Renovations include a 2-acre pond providing fishing and kayaking opportunities, zip lines, elevated seating terraces, and accessible walking paths.
Adams said the park would offer residents an opportunity to experience nature. He said the park's amenities resemble those in downstate Illinois.
"Fishing is going to be a highlight," Adams said. "There's no place to fish inside of Park Forest, and it hasn't been since the days of the pond at Rich East High School."
Adams added, "Kayaking will be another highlight. Imagine being able to kayak in the middle of a residential park. So residents will get a chance to experience nature at its best."
Residents will get the opportunity to experience all of the new features of Somonauk Park in less than seven weeks.