Virginia Reed Neighbors Weigh in on Future of Lemont's 'Train Park'

Neighbors of Lemont's  have spoken, and one thing is clear: the town's beloved "Choo-Choo Train Park" must stay.

A neighborhood meeting was held July 23 to discuss upcoming renovations to Virginia Reed, where the train-themed playground equipment is now more than 20 years old.

 maintenance administrator Dawn Banks said about $200,000 has been set aside for upgrades, which would include the demolition of current equipment and installation of new play pieces and landscaping—all of which must be up to code with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The equipment has some damage and is getting old at this point," Banks said. "We're in the early stages of planning a redesign of the park, and we'd like some input from residents about what they'd like to see."

About two dozen residents turned out for the meeting, which was facilitated by Banks, Lemont Park District Director Louise Egofske and playground architect Joe Brusseau, of Brusseau Design Group.

Brusseau sought input from residents on various aspects of the park, including its theme, equipment and pressing safety issues.

"We have a number of concepts available, so we'll take the feedback from this meeting and work with staff to incorporate some ideas," Brusseau said.

One priority for the park district is to address the current drainage issues on the site. 

"We're looking to regrade the whole park site so we don't have those issues again," Brusseau said.

One of the main concerns expressed by residents was maintaining the historic integrity of Virginia Reed, which currently has wooden playground equipment. Several audience members objected to play equipment that looks "too modern or bright," adding that it should blend in with the nearby historic district.

Among the possible features discussed at the meeting were new swings, an updated shelter, a rubber play surface and interactive learning.

Neighbors also expressed overwhelming interest in keeping Virginia Reed's train theme.

"It's the 'Choo-Choo Train Park,'" one resident said. "That's how real Lemonters know it."

Virginia Reed Community Playground opened in June 1948 after several Lemont moms came together to build a neighborhood park for their children. The group, which came to be known as the Singer-Warner Mothers Club, cleared the land, raised funds and purchased teeter-totters, a sandbox, horizontal bars and a slide.

The park was named in memory of the club's first president, Virginia Dillman Reed, who spearheaded the efforts to build a neighborhood play area for kids.

The Singer-Warner Mothers Club continued to oversee the playground for 30 years, during which the playground continued to grow and be recognized as one of the best in suburban Cook County, according to the Lemont 125th Anniversary Book. 

The Lemont Park District took ownership of the park in 1978 after increasing insurance and repair costs became too great for the club. The park district board renamed the site "Virginia Reed Park," and new equipment was installed.

The park was totally renovated in 1989 with its current train theme. The site received new play equipment, a shelter, tricycle path and landscaping. 

Banks said the park district will begin working on designs in hopes of beginning construction this fall.

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What features would you like to see incorporated into the new Virginia Reed Park? Tell us what you think in the comments below.