New Park Opens at Northwest End of Town

After a while of waiting, planning and some miscommunication along the way, residents in the Neufairfield subdivision in Joliet, located at the northwest end of New Lenox, have a park they can call their own.

On Wednesday, the New Lenox Community Park District Board got an update on a couple park developments in town, including Neufairfield and the construction timeline for the skate park and tennis courts that will enhance Countryview and Royal Meadows parks.

Neufairfield Park

A new park was opened Thursday in the Neufairfield subdivision, off our Gougar Road and Route 6, with the help of homeowner funding.

As part of its development agreement with the City of Joliet, Neumann Homes was required to contribute and improve 5 acres of land, which would be maintained by the New Lenox park district. According to the homeowners association, communication errors between Joliet and the park district resulted in no bond or other surety being obtained from Neumann to ensure the park's completion in the event of Neumann’s default.

In April, homeowners passed a one-time special assessment to charge $150 to each home and help raise money for the park. "They have exceeded their commitment to bring money to the table so we can put in a playground on that site," Parks Director Greg Lewis said of the residents.

Skate Park Construction

Bids are expected to go out in September for the enhancements at Countryview and Royal Meadows parks, and construction could start later that month.

In May, the Park District was awarded a $372,000 grant that will be put toward installing a skate park, tennis courts and a boardwalk along the creek.

Park officials anticipate a large portion of the park's upgrades to be completed in spring 2012, with a potential opening for August 2012.