Scoville Park rehab an investment in Oak Park's village square

The construction fencing has gone up around the northern third of Scoville Park. That means the Park District of Oak Park has begun its tender reshaping of the park that comes most often to mind as the center of our village.

This is another step in the ongoing remaking and updating of local parks that voters chose to fund with a strong referendum vote a few years back. Park district staff and the board have been keenly attuned both to the district's overall space and use needs — how many tennis courts, dog parks, soccer fields, walking paths, gardens — while balancing the desires of neighbors and what they want to see in "their" park.

The first phase of the Scoville work includes creating a "peace plaza" around the recently restored World War I monument, installing a permanent concert stage and upgrading walkways and a playground. With an eventual price tag of almost $3 million — more than half coming from a state grant — this is a major and worthwhile investment in our village square.