West Cook News

The Village of Brookfield has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. The announcement was made by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on December 16. The funds will support the redevelopment of Creekside Park, located at the intersection of Burlington and Grove Avenues.

The planned improvements for Creekside Park include a new fabric shade shelter, a playground with poured-in-place surfacing, a game table area, a single-stall restroom facility, and native plantings with interpretive signage.

"I am thrilled that the OSLAD grant will assist in funding the improvements at Creekside Park,” said Brookfield Recreation Director Luke Gundersen. “This redevelopment is a major step forward in enhancing the park and creating a welcoming space for Brookfield residents to enjoy. We're excited to begin this project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our village."

The last improvements to Creekside Park were made in 1999. In 2024, it was affected by storm sewer construction. This work marks the first phase of a broader initiative aimed at redeveloping both the park and approximately 10 acres of oak savanna east of Salt Creek in South Hollywood.

In 2023, the Brookfield Conservation Commission received a technical assistance grant from the National Park Service to plan a nature recreation area. Working with a volunteer task force, they developed plans for an area known as Creekside Woods.

As part of this planning effort, public input was sought through an Open House held last February to gather feedback on walking trails and other amenities for Creekside Woods.

Phase II involves installing concrete abutments for constructing a bridge connecting Creekside Park and Creekside Woods. The Village has applied for another state grant to help fund Phase II construction, which includes further enhancements to Creekside Woods.

"We are incredibly grateful and excited that Brookfield has been selected to receive the $600,000 OSLAD grant,” said Brookfield Village President Michael Garvey. “This funding will help us move forward with the redevelopment of Creekside Park, marking the first phase of a larger initiative to connect the park to a transformed Creekside Woods nature area. These projects will provide lasting benefits to our community, and we are grateful for the state’s support in making them a reality."

For more information, contact Recreation Director Luke Gundersen at 708-485-1474.