The Hoffman Estates Park District is proud to announce the opening of a new, fully inclusive playground at Vogelei Park and Barn, located at 650 West Higgins Road. This opening follows two years of careful planning, demolition, and construction to create a one-of-a-kind recreational space designed for the entire community.
The new playground covers more than 7,500 square feet and features fully inclusive structures specifically dedicated to children ages 2-to-5 and 5-to-12. The project was made possible by a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This matching grant represents the largest single grant ever awarded in the history of the Hoffman Estates Park District.
The park offers a wide array of features, including colorful slides, multiple swings, and a splash pad. In addition to the play equipment, the site includes turf grass, and a new shade structure with picnic tables. The project also focused on environmental and educational growth, resulting in an upgrade from a Level I to a Level II arboretum, a sensory garden, a new greenhouse, and an outdoor nature classroom. Adjacent to the barn are disc golf holes, a bocce area, and bank shot sports, which features basketball hoops set at multiple heights to accommodate different physical needs.
“It is truly special to offer a space that provides high-quality recreational opportunities for every member of our community, regardless of age or ability. We are sincerely grateful to our hard-working staff and the State of Illinois for the OSLAD grant program, both of which were instrumental in making this vision a reality,” said Executive Director Craig Talsma. “I am incredibly proud of our team for the extensive research and dedication they poured into planning such a unique destination.”
The development process began in 2023 with community input meetings and included consultation with the Northwest Special Recreation Association. The historic Vogelei House on the property continues to house the association’s PURSUIT Community Day Program, which serves the needs of individuals with disabilities ages 21 and older.
While the playground is now open for daily use, HEParks will host an official celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 16 at 10:00 am. The event will be held in conjunction with the Kids to Parks event, with festivities continuing until 1:00 pm.