Fairview Heights park to close for the summer as renovations begin
Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview Heights will close to the public starting Monday as construction begins on its renovation.
Work will continue through the summer, with completion expected by October.
The entire project will cost about $14 million and will be funded through bonds and revenue from the city’s food and beverage tax.
Parks and Recreation Director Angela Beaston discussed the park closure during her report at Wednesday’s community committee meeting. She said signs will be posted at the park to notify residents of the closure.
Beaston said Friday that, with the exception of a “dog egg hunt” that was canceled during Saturday’s groundbreaking, no other planned programs or events at the park will be affected by the closure.
Holland Construction will have the park fenced off for the duration of the work, she said.
As calls come in to reserve pavilions for parties, Beaston said other parks — Moody Park and Old Lincoln Trail Park — will be recommended. Party size will be considered when pavilion bookings are made.
The city celebrated a double groundbreaking Saturday for both the park and The Rec, which will also begin construction Monday. The event took place at The Rec.
In addition to the park closing, parts of The Rec will also be unavailable, including the facility’s dog park and part of the parking area.
The city decided that rather than making the updates one area at a time, the park would be closed to make all improvements at the same time.
The Rec’s expansion will include the addition of The Field House. Amenities will include new indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The indoor area will also be able to accommodate public and private events. The facility will include restrooms without locker rooms and a catering kitchen with related storage.
The entire project will cost about $14 million, which will be funded through bonds and revenue from the city’s food and beverage tax.
What work is in store for each project?
Improvements to Pleasant Ridge Park include the installation of three new restrooms, including one all-season facility.
Three new pavilions and an updated playground area also will be installed. The city decided that rather than making the updates one area at a time, the park would be closed so all improvements can be completed simultaneously.
The Rec expansion will include the addition of The Field House. Amenities will include new indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The indoor area also will be able to accommodate public and private events. The facility will include restrooms without locker rooms and a catering kitchen with related storage.
