Hibbard Park OSLAD Grant Project: Upgrades Begin June 16

Redevelopment at Hibbard Park is about to start, backed by a prestigious $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. Combined with the Park District’s $890,600 investment and a $10,000 contribution from the Wilmette Baseball Association, this $1.5 million project enhances a key community space.

Construction will officially begin on Monday, June 16, 2025, and continue through early October. Please note: the playground at Hibbard Park will remain open and accessible throughout the construction project.

Community Impact: Camps, Baseball & Recreation Center Adjustments

While the enhancements promise long-term benefits, the community should anticipate some temporary changes this summer. For the start of the project, these include:

CRC Camps: Arts in the Park & After Camp Rec:

• Drop-off and pick-up points will shift to accommodate construction zones for Arts in the Park Camp and After Camp Recreation at the Community Recreation Center (CRC). Updated signage and staff guidance will help ensure smooth transitions.
• Families enrolled in CRC programs will receive direct updates on these changes to ensure they can plan accordingly.

Baseball Programming:

• Baseball fields, starting with the northern field, will be renovated, limiting or shifting field availability during construction. The District will communicate field reassignments as needed in partnership with user groups like the Wilmette Baseball Association.

Parking Lot and Traffic Adjustments:

• A temporary reduction in parking spaces in the CRC north parking lot near Hibbard Park.
• Increased congestion in and around the lot may occur, especially during peak drop-off and pick-up hours.
• All park users are encouraged to allow extra time for arrival and consider alternative transportation if possible.

What’s Coming to Hibbard Park

This project goes beyond basic upgrades—it represents a forward-thinking investment in public wellness, inclusive recreation, and long-term environmental stewardship.

New Active Recreation Features:

• A new tot-lot playground will replace our current Early Childhood Center playground. Featuring age-appropriate and inclusive play structures. 
• Six Pickleball Courts are replacing the existing tennis courts, creating a fun location for an ever-growing sport.
• Renovated Baseball Fields:
  • New fencing and dugouts
  • Updated benches, bleachers, and shade structures
  • Drainage improvements to eliminate any water issues

Enhanced Park Amenities:

• 16’ x 16’ Picnic Shelter to support summer programming and park enjoyment.
• ADA-Compliant Drinking Fountain featuring dual spouts, a bottle fill station, and a dog fountain.
• The 6-foot-wide Interior Pathway Loop is a pedestrian-friendly, car-free loop for walking and enjoying the new pollinator gardens.

Environmental & Navigational Improvements:

• Pollinator Gardens with native plantings and interpretive signage
• Wayfinding Signage to improve navigation throughout the park

Community-Driven Planning

This project is the result of robust community engagement:

• Two public meetings
• 491 responses to community surveys

The final plan reflects priorities expressed by residents: greater accessibility, more recreational diversity, and environmentally friendly enhancements.

Stay Updated

Visit the Park District’s Hibbard Park Project Page for plan details and updates. We thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we bring this transformation of Hibbard Park to life. While construction may cause short-term inconveniences, all can share the final results.