Park District Dedicates New Playground

Lions Park at 60 W. Roberta St. just got a makeover – and judging from the smiles on the faces of kids at last week’s ribbon cutting – it’s a complete success.

Renovations to the park’s playground, which began in late summer, include new play pieces manufactured by NuToys, as well as a resurfaced basketball court and landscaping.

Lemont Park Board President Patrick Sexton welcomed members of the Lemont Lions Club, including club president John Goushas, as well as residents of all ages at the new Lions Park ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

Although all of Lemont Park District’s parks are special, some carry more sentimental value, said Carrie Dellamano, sales and marketing director of the Lemont Park District. And Lions Park is one of those parks, Dellamano said.

Established in 1994, the three-quarter acre Lions park is dedicated to deceased members of the Lemont Lions Club. The Lions purchased a tree for each member that has passed away and a memorial plaque area was installed in 2004 to help commemorate those members, Dellamano said.

As the years passed since the park’s creation, updates became necessary -- and the park district involved neighboring residents in the selection of the new playground equipment.

“The majority liked a playground manufactured by NuToys complete with a climbing ‘net’ component – it’s been installed and is ready to go,” said Dellamano in a press release. “The district’s maintenance team worked diligently on all details including the installation of the play equipment, the landscaping, etc.”

But although kids in Lemont will no longer be using the park’s old swing set, the equipment will continue to make children happy in another location. The park district donated the structure  to "Kids Around the World,"  a nonprofit organization that recycles donated playground equipment by installing it in underprivileged areas across the world.

“It’s nice to know that others will be able to enjoy a piece of equipment that was embraced by so many in the great community of Lemont at Lions Park,” Dellamano said.

As Sexton completed the dedication of the new playground at Lions Park, he invited children to cut the ceremonial ribbon.  

“They were overjoyed about the new park and pleased to be part of such a special event,” Dellamano said.

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