For two years, Laramie Park neighbors, Skokie residents, park district staff and the parks district's board of commissioners have been planning the upgrade of one of Skokie's largest and most versatile parks. Now, Skokie residents will get to see what all of the fuss was about, as the park district has created a beautiful, modern park with recreational amenities for all ages.
A public dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the park is set for Sunday, September 27 at 11 a.m.
See park photos here.
The park on Skokie's southwest side now features:
- A synthetic turf infield, new back stops and dugouts for Caleb Field, the park's west baseball/softball field
- An expansive, state-of-the-art, inclusive and accessible playground for children ages 2-12
- Near the park's picnic shelter, a family fun area featuring concrete outdoor ping pong tables and bag toss games
- A gazebo/shelter with picnic tables, litter receptacles, benches, and drinking fountains
- Fitness stations
- Two new lighted pickleball courts
- A new path that makes a loop around the park
- Additional parking on the north side of the park
- A rain garden
The project cost of $1.5 million was partially funded by a $400,000 state OSLAD grant (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development).