Area Residents Sound Off on Towne Park Improvements

Algonquin’s Western Bypass will change the face of downtown, including Towne Park.

The landmark park sits feet away from the bypass construction and is closed while construction is underway. Any construction-related damage will be repaired before it reopens, said Michael Kumbera, assistant to the village manager.

• READ MORE: Improvements in Sight for Historic Towne Park

Improvements include the realignment of Crystal Creek and a new pedestrian bridge over the creek, near the entrance of Jefferson Street, Kumbera said. 

Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch Facebook users sounded off this past week on the improvements. Here is what they had to say: 

• "Not too many shaded parks around here sadly, which is why we liked it so much. Even when they open it back up, they cut down so many trees and now there will be noise and exhaust right next to it."

• "Those mammoth oak trees are what made the park so wonderful. Shade in the summer, piles of leaves to jump in during autumn. I hope it can be retained somewhat."

• "I feel as devastated as the park is (and shall remain), not to mention how all the residents nearby must feel. Sorry, but in this economy and just in general, this bypass was a stupid thing to do (except for those who are making big bucks on this debacle)."

• "They've absolutely destroyed it, and for what? Is that stupid bypass really going to relieve the congestion at 31 & 62? I doubt it!"

• "The whole surrounding area (hills, forests, streams, neighborhoods) has been forever destroyed. Greedy idiots always choose the most beautiful places to mess up."
  

What do you think about the Towne Park improvements? Sound off in the comments section below.