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PARK EXPANSION
A date has been set for the grand opening of downtown Elgin’s extensive Veterans Memorial Park expansion.
After months of dedicated work and community collaboration, the state-of-the-art playground spanning the 200 and 300 blocks of Depot Street will officially open for play Sept. 7, just in time for the Hogeye Festival.
The park’s expansion honors Elgin’s rich heritage, with elements that highlight the town’s railroad history and natural features that support native plants and wildlife, according to city representatives.
Originally created in 1913 by the Ladies New Century Club, Veterans Memorial Park has long been a historic cornerstone of downtown Elgin.
The recent expansion, which broke ground in 2023, adds two city blocks and introduces modern features that nod to the town’s past.
The park now includes a train-themed playground inspired by the 1871 train that helped establish Elgin as a railroad town, an interactive water feature reminiscent of the ground’s original fountain and a stage that recalls the vibrant Mexican Street Dances once held in the park.
Elgin resident and international artist Margo Sawyer contributed to the park’s transformation with her public art piece “Synchronicity of Color for Elgin 2024.”
A 2018 Guggenheim Foundation Fellow, Sawyer created the vibrant artwork using 50 unique colors of Elgin Butler Brick, generously donated for the project. The piece, which anchors the stage, draws attention with its dynamic color array.
Funding for the expansion was made possible by several key partners, including the Ferguson Family Mc-Donald’s, St. David’s Foundation, CARTS, American Rescue Plan Act Funds, Community Development Block Grant, T-Mobile Hometown Grant, Sandy Menley, Sherri & Tres Rivers, Margo Sawyer, Elgin Butler Brick Company, Elgin Main Street Board, Friends of Elgin Parks, Downtown Elgin Inc., the Marzec Family and the City of Elgin Municipal Government.
The community is invited to explore the new playground, which Parks and Recreation Program Manager Elizabeth Marzec claims will be the city’s “most unique park,” emphasizing “climb-ability.” The grand opening celebration will feature live music, food, refreshments and giveaways.
The dedication event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Sept. 7, with a ribbon- cutting ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Check next week’s edition of the Courier for celebration details.
