Projects and Construction

Big changes are coming to Proksa Park this summer as the Berwyn Park District continues investing in the future of one of the community’s most beloved parks. Through funding support from an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) matching grant, several exciting improvements will soon begin taking shape throughout the park. 

These enhancements are designed to improve accessibility, recreation opportunities, and the overall visitor experience while preserving the natural beauty and community atmosphere that make Proksa Park such a special place. 

Planned improvements include: 

• A brand-new playground designed with modern play features and improved accessibility 
• New picnic shelters for family gatherings, celebrations, and community events 
• Game tables to encourage social and interactive recreation 
• An improved walking path to enhance accessibility and enjoyment throughout the park 
• Additional park amenities aimed at creating a welcoming experience for visitors of all ages 

As construction progresses throughout the summer, visitors may experience temporary closures, detours, or limited access to certain areas of the park. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as these important improvements are completed. The Berwyn Park District is excited to continue enhancing Proksa Park and creating spaces where residents can gather, play, connect, and enjoy the outdoors for years to come. We look forward to welcoming the community back to an even more vibrant and accessible Proksa Park once construction is complete. 

Stay tuned for additional updates and project timelines as work progresses this summer.

This article will be updated at the project progresses.

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Project Updates

October 15, 2026

Playground Installation Continues and Pathway Improvements Are Nearly Complete

Great progress continues at Proksa Park! The new playground equipment is fully installed, bringing us one step closer to opening the renovated play space to the community. The construction team still needs to install the pour-in-place safety surfacing beneath the equipment before the playground can open. Please continue to respect construction fencing and stay out of the playground area until work is complete.

Asphalt work is complete on all pathways except for the section on the south side of the park near the playground. The new paths are looking great, and we're excited to see these improvements coming together.

Seasonal tree maintenance is also taking place in our parks. Please use caution around work areas and give crews plenty of space as they complete necessary trimming and maintenance.

Thank you for your continued patience as we work toward completing these improvements!

October 7, 2026

Pathways and Playground Take Shape

Big progress is happening at Proksa Park! After a few construction delays and preliminary structural work on the pathways, asphalt installation is officially moving forward. We're excited to see the new paths take shape and get one step closer to making them available for the community to enjoy.

Over at the playground, grading and concrete work around the perimeter are complete, and installation of the new playground equipment is underway. It's exciting to see the pieces coming together and get a better picture of what this new play space will look like.

The gazebo was installed a few weeks ago, and a few finishing touches remain before it can open to the public.

The disc golf tee areas have also been reseeded with new grass and remain temporarily inaccessible while the grass establishes. Visitors can continue playing alongside the tee areas during this time. These temporary closures help protect the new grass and prevent muddy conditions in future seasons.

Thank you for your patience as these improvements continue!

August 18, 2026

Playground Renovation Begins

The Proksa Park Playground Renovation is officially getting underway! Construction fencing has been installed around the existing playground, and removal of the current playground equipment will begin shortly.

As part of the renovation, the existing playground equipment will be donated to Kids Around the World, a nonprofit organization that collects gently used playground equipment, refurbishes it, and reinstalls it in developing communities around the world. This allows the equipment to continue serving children while making way for a new play space at Proksa Park.

As work begins, visitors are asked to stay out of all fenced and active construction areas. For everyone's safety, please give construction crews, equipment, and work areas plenty of space and follow all posted signs and directions.

We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation while this exciting project takes shape. We look forward to sharing additional updates throughout construction.

June 26, 2026

Tentative Construction Schedule (Weather Permitting)

The next phase of construction at Proksa Park was scheduled to take place July 6–17, weather permitting.

During this phase, crews were expected to begin concrete and asphalt improvements on the north side of the bridge. Planned work included installation of new disc golf tee pads, bench pads, and sections of the park's walking path.

Visitors were advised to expect temporary closures and changing construction zones while work was underway. Construction schedules were subject to change due to weather and other site conditions.

June 24, 2026

Construction Preparations Begin

Construction activity began ramping up at Proksa Park, with crews installing temporary fencing around light poles near the walking paths in preparation for the first phase of construction.

Work was set to begin with concrete and asphalt improvements on the north side of the park and around the existing Veterans Memorial. As part of this phase, the deteriorated Veterans Memorial was scheduled for removal. While we understand the importance of this memorial to many in our community, its condition had reached the point where removal was necessary.

The Berwyn Park District remains committed to creating a larger, more dedicated Veterans Memorial space at one of our parks in the future. This project will require thoughtful planning, community input, and funding before it can move forward.

For the safety of all visitors, construction areas were to remain fenced off and inaccessible throughout the project, with closures changing as work progressed. Visitors were asked to pay close attention to posted signs, fencing, and barriers and to remain outside all active construction zones.

Landscaping work was also taking place around the pond. Straw erosion-control blankets had been installed to help establish new grass. Visitors were asked to avoid walking on these areas so the grass could become fully established.

We appreciate the community's patience as these improvements continue and will provide additional updates as construction milestones and timelines become available.

The Berwyn Park District is excited to announce that we are officially opening the bidding process for the upcoming improvements at Proksa Park, located at 3001 Wisconsin Avenue.

This project represents a major investment in one of our community’s most loved parks and will enhance recreation, accessibility, and overall park experience for residents.

Project Overview

The Proksa Park Improvement Project will be completed under two bid packages, which will be constructed simultaneously and awarded as a single contract:

Base Bid #1: OSLAD Improvements
This portion of the project includes major park upgrades such as:

• Site preparation and earthwork
• New playground installation
• Picnic shelter installation
• ADA-accessible playground ramp
• Asphalt and concrete paving
• Site furnishings and landscaping
• Optional poured-in-place rubber surfacing

Base Bid #2: RTP Improvements
This portion focuses on additional site enhancements, including:

• Site preparation and clearing
• Asphalt and concrete paving
• Site furnishings
• Turf grass seeding and landscaping
• How to Access Bid Documents

Project manuals, including bid forms, specifications, and construction documents, will be available beginning at 10:00 AM on April 9, 2026.

Bid documents will be accessible here when it becomes available.

Bid Submission Details

Sealed bids will be accepted at:
Berwyn Park District
3701 S. Scoville Avenue
Berwyn, IL 60402

Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Bid Opening: April 30, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Bids must be clearly labeled: “Bid for Proksa Park”

All bidders must include bid security equal to 10% of the combined base bids.

Additional Information

This project is partially funded through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD grant program.
Contractors must comply with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.
The Berwyn Park District encourages minority-owned businesses to participate in the bidding process and as subcontractors.

Questions regarding the project must be submitted in writing by April 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

For full legal details, please refer to the official bid notice attached below.

Beginning March 30, the Berwyn Park District will begin renovations on the park ponds to improve their long-term sustainability, function, and beauty. The project is expected to last approximately 12 weeks, depending on weather conditions.

During this time, Aquascape, a Certified Aquascape Contractor, will complete upgrades to the ponds including replacing the plumbing systems, pond liners, and surrounding landscape features. These improvements will help ensure the ponds can be properly maintained for many years to come while enhancing the overall health of the ecosystem.

What to Expect During Construction

The renovation process will take place in several phases:

1. Wildlife Relocation
   Before any construction begins, fish, turtles, and other aquatic wildlife will be safely relocated to temporary holding tanks. These animals will be cared for and monitored throughout the project.
2. Pond Draining & Cleaning
   Once wildlife is safely removed, the ponds will be drained and cleared of built-up debris and sediment, helping reset the system for long-term health.
3. Infrastructure Improvements
   Construction will then begin on major system upgrades designed to improve function, water quality, and maintenance.

Key Improvements

West Pond Enhancements

The west pond will receive a complete system upgrade, including:

• New pumps and biofilters to improve water quality
• A debris trap system that captures trash and debris before reaching pumps and filters

Currently, debris can enter the system and cause damage. This new setup will help protect equipment, reduce maintenance issues, and extend the life of the pond systems.

Additionally, the new biofiltration system is designed to increase biodiversity, supporting a healthier and more balanced aquatic ecosystem.

East Pond Improvements

The east pond will also see thoughtful upgrades focused on usability and long-term care:

• The pond will be reduced in size by approximately 10 feet to allow for easier maintenance.
• A new seating wall will be added, creating a space for visitors to sit and enjoy the water feature .
• A new pump system will allow the pond to operate year-round.

These improvements will make the pond more accessible, functional, and enjoyable for the community.

Protecting Wildlife

We understand that the ponds are home to wildlife that many community members care about. Throughout the project, all aquatic animals will be safely housed and monitored.

Once renovations are complete, animals will be returned to the ponds or responsibly rehomed as appropriate.

Safety Reminder

For the safety of both visitors and construction crews, no one is permitted within the fenced construction areas at any time. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the site safe.

Why This Work Matters

Over time, pond systems naturally wear down, and without updates, they can become difficult to maintain and less supportive of healthy ecosystems.

These renovations are designed with a long-term vision in mind, creating ponds that are:

• Easier to maintain
• More environmentally sustainable
• Healthier for wildlife
• More enjoyable for the community

Aquascape contractors are among the most qualified professionals in the water gardening industry, ensuring this work is completed to a high standard.

Looking Ahead

Our goal is to ensure these ponds remain a beautiful, sustainable feature of the park for years to come. We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we complete these important improvements.

Updates will be shared below as the project progresses.

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Proksa Park Pond Restoration Updates

The transformation of the Proksa Park ponds continues to make exciting progress, with major milestones reached over the past few weeks.

One of the most visually striking additions is the newly constructed waterfall on the west pond, which is nearing completion. Once operational, it will serve as a central feature of the space, enhancing both the beauty and ecological health of the pond system.

As construction has progressed, fish and noninvasive turtles have been carefully reintroduced to the pond, marking an important step in restoring the habitat. Meanwhile, work has begun on the east pond, including demolition to prepare for its reconstruction as part of the larger system.

Behind the scenes, significant infrastructure improvements are underway. A 10,000-gallon reservoir tank has been successfully installed, along with piping that will support water circulation and filtration through a new biofilter system. Installation of the pump vault is also complete, setting the stage for the next phase of mechanical work.

In addition to contracted work, Park District staff have been contributing to the project through ongoing site improvements, including refinishing the pedestrian bridge and enhancing surrounding areas.

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents stopping by to observe progress, ask questions, and express their appreciation for the investment in this beloved park space.

What’s Next

Upcoming work will focus on:

• Installing pumps within the newly placed vault
• Beginning grading and shaping around the pond edges
• Continuing construction on the east pond
• Ongoing cleanup and finishing work around the biofilter and surrounding areas

We look forward to sharing more updates as the Proksa Park ponds continue to take shape.

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.