Projects and Construction

Berwyn Park District (BPD) currently manages 612 trees throughout its park system. There is also a limited amount of room in the parks for future tree planting, which represents potential for growth of the park district’s urban forest. BPD’s trees were inventoried as part of a project this past year culminating in this Urban Forestry Management Plan, which will detail how these trees will be managed for the benefit of Berwyn Park District and its residents and patrons over the next 10 years, with a focus which begins in 2022, and projects out to 2032.

In terms of the condition of the Urban Forest in BPD, there are both strengths and opportunities for improvement. In terms of strengths, the park district has a smaller tree population to contend with, and has been managing that resource somewhat satisfactorily in the past, however there is work to do in terms of near term maintenance. Once the necessary maintenance is complete, BPD will be able to focus on enhancements rather than remedial action. In terms of opportunities, the diversity level and overall number of species could be higher. This will be examined in further detail below, but diversifying new plantings based on our recommendations is the general recommendation. Also, the current budget being applied towards forestry management should likely be larger. At $8,500 per year, this is enough to fulfill basic needs, even a modest increase in budget would allow BPD to accomplish much more.

In order to enhance the Urban Forestry program so it will create long term benefits to the community while reducing costs, the following Urban Forest Management Plan will address each one of these strengths and opportunities, and create goals and milestones for each. Further detail is given in the body of the Plan, with separate sections detailing specific Urban Forestry activities, and how we propose they are achieved, along with standards and Best Management Practices for each.
An urban forestry program has been created in this Plan which attempts to achieve the greatest benefit for the community, based on the available data we have from the inventory, as well as input from stakeholders and residents of the City of Berwyn. However, all plans are subject to change based on new information, budgets, or other unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, it is asked that readers consider this plan to be an evolving document, and goals and strategies will be updated to fit new circumstances as needed.

This Urban Forestry Management Plan should be reviewed periodically, at which point the park district, and its residents, business owners, and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input and help improve the Plan during those annual reviews. These strategies and goals are not absolute, but rather serve as guideposts to mark the road to success.

Please open the PDF attached at the link below in order to access the entire Urban Tree Management Plan.

We are in the process of preparing an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant application through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to assist in providing park improvements at Proksa Park. Your input in this project is important to us.

We want to hear from you!

The purpose of this open house is to allow residents and park users the opportunity to provide feedback that will help the BERWYN PARK DISTRICT design and improve a more useful park space.

Planned amenities include renovation of the existing playground, disc golf course, and walking paths with the addition of a picnic shelter and game tables. If you are unable to attend the open house, please contact Cathy Fallon, Executive Director, to provide comments on the plan. 708-788-1701 OR cfallon@berwynparks.org

Nestled in the heart of our community, Hessler Park has long been a cherished spot for families to gather, friends to play, and imaginations to soar. And now, it looks even better!

The playground just got a fresh new look with a generous layer of brand-new mulch!

But it's not just about aesthetics—this mulch brings a host of benefits too! With its soft cushioning underfoot, it provides a safe and comfortable surface for little ones to explore and play. Plus, it helps to prevent weeds from taking root and retains moisture for the surrounding greenery, keeping our park looking lush and inviting all year round.

With the arrival of the new mulch, Hessler Park is ready to welcome families old and new for endless hours of fun and adventure. So grab your sneakers, pack a picnic, and come discover the magic of Hessler Park's refreshed playground today!

Here's to many more years of laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories at our beloved Hessler Park playground!

The Liberty Cultural Center’s gym is a newly renovated space that is equipped for sporting events, social gatherings, stage performances and events requiring catered services. The internal walls have been replaced and freshly painted. Sport padding has been installed along the walls to prevent potential injury for program participants. Other updates include replacing the floors and adding lighting. The newest completed project at Liberty is the renovated stage floor located at the front of the gym. This project was completed in the fall of 2015 and the stage is now fully equipped with sound, lighting and a theater curtain.

Whatever your purpose is for this space, I think you will find it has been improved in functionality and overall appearance. We welcome you to check out the renovations for yourself!

The Berwyn Park District is partnering with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) on Green Infrastructure Improvements at Proksa Park. New pathways and landscape will be constructed. The area of work will be on the east side of the park just south of the tennis courts. The pathway and the Disc Golf Tee Box #2 will be closed starting Tuesday, December 13, 2022, and last about a week.

Program and Events Guide

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