Downtown improvements on track

Construction at the heart of the city continues to progress smoothly, with the Elgin City Council eyeing completion dates around the corner.

The extensive expansions to downtown Elgin’s Veterans Memorial Park and Elgin Police Station remain on schedule, according to council members. Both destinations are currently closed off to the public.

Park workers in the 200 and 300 block of Depot Street began area surfacing for the state-of-the-art playground this month. Crews also began installation of the future stage’s structure, furnishings and a variety of other items.

Sidewalks, landscaping and playground equipment have already been installed.

Parks and Recreation Program Manager Elizabeth Marzec is aiming for a soft opening by the end of the month and claims the destination will be the city’s “most unique” park, with “climb-ability” being a key focus.

The Train Playground was inspired by the 1871 train that came through Elgin and helped establish it as a railroad town.

The city will provide notification when the park is open for use.

Additionally, the lobby of Elgin’s police headquarters remains under extended closure for the construction and demolition of Depot Street.

All lobby functions will be held out of the Elgin Municipal Court building, 310 N. Main Street.

The exterior structure of the new department building is complete, featuring Acme Brick from the Elgin plant.

No official date for the lobby’s reopening has been provided, but council members assured everything is on track.