West Chicago Park District reopens Reed-Keppler Park for Public Usee
 West Chicago Park District reopens Reed-Keppler Park for Public Use
The West Chicago Park District has announced the reopening of the south end of Reed-Keppler Park four weeks after the July 1 storm that raged through the area damaging trees and scattering debris.
Reed-Keppler is the oldest park in West Chicago and is a cherished jewel of the community. Established in 1933, the park encompasses 84 acres on the corner of National and Arbor streets.
“What’s important is that now people can start to use that area of the park again and be safe,” said Jesse Felix, the district’s superintendent of parks. “During the clean up process ensuring public safety and trying to save trees was our main priority.
As we went through the area, we looked at each tree individually and made every attempt to save a tree when it was possible.”
Felix attributes the quick clean-up process to all the help he received from surrounding park districts including Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Huntley, Streamwood and Woodridge.
“I put out a 911 call, and I received an outpouring of both manpower and equipment,” Felix said.
He said his main concern was ensuring that the park was safe and ready for Railroad Days, a major festival in the area that draws thousands. “Because of the help we received from those districts, we were able to clean up the park to the point that we could deal with the damage in house and still hold Railroad Days.”
The storm also affected three other parks within the district boundaries with a total loss of 200 trees. An estimated cost to replace the trees is still to be determined.
The Friends of West Chicago Parks Foundation has established a fund to replace the trees. If you would like to help plant new roots, tax deductible donations to replenish the trees are being accepted in any denomination. For more information on how to support the restoration of Reed-Keppler Park call 630.231.9474 or visit the District’s website at www.we-goparks.org.
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