Stevenson 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
Stevenson Park was acquired by the Village of Oak Park in 1916 and named after author Robert Louis Stevenson. The current Stevenson Center was built in 1965. The Park District entered into a 99-year lease agreement with the Village in 2006, rather than purchasing the property outright, because the park contains two underground water reservoirs managed by the Village. The second water reservoir was installed in the eastern part of the park in 2002. Other park features include a baseball diamond, multi-purpose field, and a skateboard activity area.
The play centers were relocated and renovated, and fencing, lighting, and landscaping were renovated in 2003. A skate park and three half basketball courts were built on top of the new reservoir in 2004. Improvements to the ballfield made in 2007, included improved drainage and new walkways leading to the field for improved ADA accessibility. Stevenson Center was renovated in 2007, to replace electrical and plumbing systems, replace restroom fixtures, replace lower level windows, provide functional and secure staff office areas, and improve the overall condition of this recreation center. A teen center opened in the lower level of the center in early 2008, and later closed in 2014, and was replaced by a preschool play area. The District pursued but did not receive Community Development Block Grant funding in 2008. The skate park received new ramp equipment in 2009. In 2011, security cameras were installed and the windows were replaced in the Center. In 2014, the Village had to complete improvements to the underground water reservoir. An intergovernmental agreement was struck to replace the field turf at that time as well as providing for the District’s installation of irrigation and expanding the fence on the north side of the field. In 2017, the roof was replaced as well as the boiler. In 2019, the Park District applied for an OSLAD grant to replace the playground, add a kickwall, table tennis and game tables as well as improving the entrance to the Park and creating a walking loop. This work was completed and the park reopened in spring of 2020.
