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Downtown Elgin’s Veteran’s Memorial Park held its official groundbreak ceremony this past week, kicking off the $1.8 million expansion.
Lead by Studio 16:19 and G Hyatt Construction, this marks the first new construction on a downtown park area since 1920.
City leaders, residents and donors gathered to speak on the landmark construction site, turning over ground for what is set to be a breath of life coming to the 200 and 300 block of Depot Street, attendees said.
“We are investing in our downtown, it’s the heart of our community. We want to bring families downtown and to give the whole community a place to meet each other, come together and learn more about our history,” said Mayor McShan.
Slotted to open in April 2024, the transformation includes a life size train play sculpture modeled off of the 1872 train that ran through Elgin, engaging the city’s long history as a train town.
The park will also include a water play feature, nature play area, zip line, covered stage, seating, landscaping, irrigation and an outdoor classroom with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Funding comes through Certificates of Obligation 2021A, the American Rescue Plan Act, St. David’s foundation, T-Mobile and several other local donors, many of which were in attendance.
“From the very first day, Elgin has opened its arms,” added Jimmy Ferguson, owner of Elgin’s McDonald’s.
It has taken years of commitment to raise this money, said speakers, with work on the project beginning in 2013 under Mayor Marc Holm and the Sustainable Places Plan.
The park is also met with a new public restroom and added sidewalk connectivity in the area, next to the new Elgin Police Department building that is also under construction.
