Projects and Construction

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 as the project progresses.

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.