Northbrook's $1.9M West Park Renovation To Add Playground, Multi-Sport Court This Year

The project will upgrade aging facilities and expand recreational amenities at the 24-acre community green space.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:27am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the blurred outline of children playing on a modern, colorful playground set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky, conveying a sense of joy and community in the park's renovated recreational spaces.The vibrant new playground at the renovated West Park will provide a fun, accessible focal point for community recreation and relaxation.Northbrook Today

The Northbrook Park District is planning a $1.9 million renovation of the 24-acre West Park, which will include a new playground with increased accessibility, a multi-sport court, replacement of tennis and volleyball courts, and new trail connections and landscaping. The project is funded through the park district's capital reserve fund and a state grant, and is expected to be completed by the fall.

Why it matters

The renovation of West Park, one of Northbrook's most heavily used parks, will provide the community with updated and expanded recreational amenities, including a new playground and multi-sport court. The project is part of the park district's efforts to maintain and improve its facilities based on community feedback and priorities.

The details

The West Park renovation will include a new playground with ramped play areas and a synthetic turf safety surface, a new picnic shelter, replacement of three tennis courts and one sand volleyball court, and a new multi-sport court for hockey and basketball. The project will also add trail segments to create a continuous loop around the park and incorporate new native planting areas.

  • The project is scheduled to begin in mid to late May 2026.
  • The renovation is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026.
  • Tree planting is scheduled to begin at the end of the project in the fall of 2026 and resume in spring 2027.

The players

Northbrook Park District

The local government agency responsible for managing and maintaining the parks and recreational facilities in Northbrook, Illinois.

James Kim

The director of parks and properties for the Northbrook Park District.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that provided a $600,000 grant through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program to support the West Park renovation project.

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What they’re saying

“The playground is the second oldest in Northbrook and the tennis courts are the oldest in our inventory, so the park is due for an upgrade.”

— James Kim, Director of Parks and Properties, Northbrook Park District

“The new playground will be themed, and we are creating a continuous loop for walkers around the park, which we believe the community will enjoy.”

— James Kim, Director of Parks and Properties, Northbrook Park District

What’s next

The park district will provide project updates on the renovation progress at nbparks.org/projects. The main parking lot areas will remain open during construction, and access to the Northbrook Sports Center and pool will not be affected.

The takeaway

The West Park renovation demonstrates the Northbrook Park District's commitment to maintaining and improving its recreational facilities to meet the evolving needs and priorities of the local community.