Park District Breaks Ground on Nike Sports Complex Expansion
Multi-use turf fields will serve recreation needs of residents, community sports
With the groundbreaking today at Nike Sports Complex, the Naperville Park District begins development of the long-anticipated 20-acre expansion, bounded by Mill Street, and Diehl and Bauer Roads.
“This is a great boost to the sports life of every child from Naperville and the surrounding communities,” said Mayor A. George Pradel during Tuesday’s event.
When the addition opens next spring, the expanded site will include the District’s first premier lighted artificial and multi-use turf fields for soccer, football, lacrosse and cricket. It will be used by residents of all ages for Park District programs, including community youth and local athletic organizations. Organized sports teams especially have been desperate for play field space on the north side of town.
“It’s great that we have this field space on the north side of town,” said Brett Strang, director of coaching and executive director of the Galaxy Soccer Club, which represents 550 youths on 40 teams in the community. “The lighted game fields will be very helpful, especially in the fall season.”
Several thousand people use the existing Nike Sports Complex every year for organized play and recreation. In addition to more turf fields, the expansion will include courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball, as well as a playground, and walking and bicycle trails. A park support building will include a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and storage. New trees will be installed throughout the project, including along a landscaped berm on the south and east perimeters.
Land adjacent to the existing Nike Sports Complex was purchased in 2007 because of its ideal acreage. It also is easily accessible and contiguous with the existing sports complex. The property was annexed into the City of Naperville after approval by City Council in April.
The expansion is based on resident feedback, as well as recommendations contained in the Naperville Park District’s Open Space and Recreation Master Plan. In addition to the landscaped berm, the master plan includes entry into the new area from Mill Street and a dry bottom detention pond to assist in collecting storm water runoff. Opening of the expanded facility is expected in early spring 2011.
The Naperville Park District is home to 139 parks totaling more than 2,500 acres. Parks appeal to a wide variety of interests and needs, including for environmental stewardship, conservation and education, as well as recreation, sport and fitness, gardening, and river and trail walks.
For more information on the Nike Sports Complex expansion, including the master plan, background information and frequent updates, please visit online at www.napervilleparks.org.
Tags: George Pradel, GreenMark, Naperville, Naperville Park District, Nike Sports Complex