Fort Frankfort Playground Renovation – Update
April 25, 2025
The Fort Frankfort Playground renovation at Commissioner Park is currently in progress. Over the past winter, Park District staff removed the memorial pickets and bricks, which are available for pickup by families who donated them. The shelters and playground structures were dismantled earlier this spring. The contractor is now preparing the site for the installation of new playground equipment and shelters, including grading and drainage improvements.
The new playground will feature two Timber Form play structures purchased from Columbia Cascade, designed with ramps to enhance accessibility for all abilities. Additionally, there will be several standalone pieces of Burke play equipment, such as the inclusive Orbit, Musical Play Ensemble, Ally Climber Web, an Embankment Luge slide, and numerous swings. A rendering of the Burke equipment can be viewed in the attached video. The playground area will be equipped with rubber surfacing to ensure a safer, more accessible play environment. The Splash Pad will remain open throughout the renovation process.
The project is expected to be completed by September of this year. If you wish to claim a memorial picket or brick, please contact registration@frankfortparks.org. Funding for this project is largely provided by a $1.7 million DCEO Grant from the State of Illinois, secured by Senator Hastings, which has made this renovation possible.
Video Rendering of the Burke Equipment
