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.
Ang bagong palaruan ay sumasaklaw sa higit sa 7,500 talampakang parisukat at nagtatampok ng ganap na inklusibong mga estruktura na partikular na inilaan para sa mga batang may edad 2 hanggang 5 at 5 hanggang 12. Ang proyekto ay naging posible dahil sa isang $600,000 na Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant mula sa Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Ang grant na ito ay kumakatawan sa pinakamalaking iisang grant na kailanman naipagkaloob sa kasaysayan ng Hoffman Estates Park District.
Ang parke ay nag-aalok ng malawak na hanay ng mga tampok, kabilang ang mga makukulay na slide, maraming swing, at splash pad. Bukod sa mga kagamitan sa paglalaro, kasama sa lugar ang damong turf, at isang bagong istraktura ng lilim na may mga picnic table. Nakatuon din ang proyekto sa paglago ng kapaligiran at edukasyon, na nagresulta sa pag-upgrade mula sa isang Level I tungo sa isang Level II arboretum, isang sensory garden, isang bagong greenhouse, at isang outdoor nature classroom. Sa tabi ng kamalig ay may mga disc golf hole, isang bocce area, at bank shot sports, na nagtatampok ng mga basketball hoop na nakatakda sa iba't ibang taas upang ma-accommodate ang iba't ibang pangangailangang pisikal.
“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.
