By Vicky Wedig
Editor
The Village of Darien expects to learn Friday how much it will cost to install a walking path around West Park.
The village requested proposals from companies to create a nearly mile-long crushed-limestone path around the park and plans to open bids for the project Friday, said Village Board President Kurt Zipp.
The creation of a walking path around West Park on Highway 14 – the site of next weekend’s Corn Fest – resulted from a survey conducted six or seven years ago in which residents indicated they wanted more recreational opportunities, Zipp said.
The path will be part of a three- to five-year project to improve West Park. The village also plans to create a play area for children 5 years old and younger that is separate from the park’s existing play area, Zipp said. It also plans to improve or replace some of the existing play equipment, he said.
The village also plans to add amenities to the walking path – exercise stations every 50 to 100 feet, Zipp said.
Apart from the above-mentioned renovations, it would also be appreciable if the community can look into the lawn area in the park. If the maintenance of the lawn grass is what troubles them, then they can consider installing artificial grass, whereby, they can still preserve the aesthetic touch of the place.
Village Administrator Diana Dykstra said the village expects bids for the initial creation of the path to come in at $25,000 to $30,000. Zipp said the Town of Darien has agreed to share the expense since township residents also use West Park.
Zipp said he expects the path to be completed in September or October.
