Fort Frankfort Playground Renovation

September 12 Update

The renovation of the Fort Frankfort playground is currently underway. Unfortunately, a recent setback has affected our original timeline. It is anticipated that the construction will be completed later this fall, at the end of October.

During the week of September 15, we expect to begin installing portions of the poured-in-place play surfacing. Once that is underway, the two playground structures will be assembled, followed by the surface in that area. Subsequently, the entrance plaza and the large shelter will be completed.

As part of the renovation, there are two new shelters that will be available for rentals. The larger shelter measures 50’ x 24’, and the smaller shelter, which is associated with the Splash Pad rentals, is 34’ x 20’. The equipment below is in addition to the two play structures.

June 2025 Update – Splash Pad is Open

The Fort Frankfort Playground renovation is underway.
During construction, the Splash Pad remains OPEN!

The renovation of the Fort Frankfort playground is underway. In the photos you can see the one of the two shelters and pictures of the concrete work. The playground equipment has arrived, and it is anticipated that the construction of the playground equipment to start in July. The project is anticipated to be completed around Labor Day.

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. 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.

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