Andersen Park & Center
Continued investment in our parks and facilities is critical to the District’s mission. The Park Board’s policy states that each park site plan will be revisited and updated within a 10-year period. The Park District is in the process of revisiting each park site plan per this policy in order to identify additional park amenities desired by our residents, to budget strategically for these improvements and to be prepared for grant opportunities.
If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on park plans currently in progress, please contact Bill Hamilton, Superintendent of Parks & Planning. (opens email app)
Current Plan
Past Plans
Check out the latest updates
November
Perimeter fence was installed, and the playground is reopened!
August
New playground equipment installed, plus natural play area features and new entrance.
July
New playground equipment getting installed.
May
Work continues quickly on curb forms. The team is waiting on some supplies to be shipped in.
April
Work is underway on splash pad grading and site utilities.
April
Fencing went up and excavation and demolition of the playground area and splash pad began.
Acquired in 1916, the park is named after children’s author Hans Christian Andersen and includes a recreation center originally designed by John S. Van Bergen. The center has been significantly modified over the years. The play equipment was previously renovated in 1985.
The site master plan for Andersen Park was completed in January 2006 and updated in 2014. Initial improvements were completed in September 2006. These improvements included: new playground equipment, splash pad, roll hill, walkways, drinking fountain, bicycle rack, security lighting, replacement fencing, woven willow dome, interpretive signage, landscaping, and decorative paved seating areas. In 2006, Andersen Center improvements were also made including roof repair and lock and door replacement. An upgrade of the local fire alarm system was completed in 2008, which replaced the circa 1965 system. The new system allows for constant fire/smoke detection and direct communication alerts to emergency agencies. Replacement park benches were installed in 2008.
Center improvements in 2010, made the restrooms accessible when no staff is present, and addressed small-scale maintenance needs (e.g., painting, tuck pointing, tile replacement). In 2011, a new exterior accessible restroom was constructed for the Center. There were aesthetic and deferred maintenance improvements completed at Andersen Center in 2018, including a new roof and interior upgrades. In 2025 outdoor fitness equipment was added, as well as shade, the playground was replaced and improvements were made to the splash pad.
