During the February 10 Village Board meeting, the Village adopted the Prairie Springs and Ingram Park Master Plans. The planning phases began over 9 months ago when the Village contracted Ayres Associates to conduct the Park Master Plans. The process involved multiple concept phases and input from several groups, partners, teammates, and community members. A steering committee of Village Staff, along with members of the Parks Commission, Village Board, and a representative from the Friends of the Pleasant Prairie Parks Foundation, played an active role throughout the planning.
The planning team reviewed existing park features and community priorities, resulting in a vision for the future of these parks that incorporates flexible and scalable designs. This ensures the parks can evolve based on available funding and community needs.
Public input was essential to refining the concepts and making sure the final designs align with the community’s desires. Vision statements were created for both parks, which will assist with eligibility for grants and long-term funding. Prairie Springs Park will continue as a dynamic community hub that blends sports, nature, and cultural events, fostering connections and promoting health. Ingram Park, as a neighborhood park, will offer year-round recreational opportunities and serve as a gathering space for the community.
Community engagement was strong throughout the planning process. A community survey gathered 175 responses, reflecting the needs and priorities of the area. Public events, including pop-up input booths and an open house on January 28, provided valuable feedback.
Key priorities for Ingram Park include the improvement of the dog swimming pond, adding mowed and gravel trails, Pickleball and sport courts, and creating safe pathways to access the park. Prairie Springs Park’s top priorities include upgrading the baseball fields, improving trails around the lake, and adding a new location for the beer garden with 365 space and new play areas. Both parks will include features that are flexible and can be scaled according to funding.
The master plans will guide future park improvements and help the Village secure funding through grants and donations. These conceptual plans offer a roadmap for both short-term and long-term development, ensuring the parks will continue to meet the needs of the community in the years ahead.