UPDATE: Towne Park to Close as Western Bypass Construction Project Continues

An Algonquin park will soon close for several months. 

Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, is expected to be closed to the public beginning Monday, Oct. 1 and continuing through summer 2014. 

Some have been confused over signs posted at Towne Park that make it appear the park is already closed. The signs read "Park Closed Until Further Notice" with a smaller sign underneath that reads "Starting 10/1/2012." 

Michael Kumbera, assistant village manager for the village of Algonquin, said he can understand why some are confused due to the wording on the signs but clarified that Towne Park will remain open through Monday. 

Towne Park's closing will allow for the construction of the Western Bypass as well as a new 100-space parking lot, realignment of Crystal Creek, construction of a new pedestrian bridge and integration of the park with the Prairie Path recreational trail, according to a village of Algonquin press release. 

Trees have already been removed along an eastern portion of the park, Kumbera said. The removal of the trees has upset some who frequent the 12-acre park located near downtown Algonquin, according to comments on Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch.

Others are upset the bypass will run so close to the park, further disturbing the peacefulness of the area, according to Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch Facebook page. 

Kumbera said most of the amenities at Towne Park will remain in tact. The park has a baseball diamond, picnic tables, a wooden playground in the shape of a castle and basketball courts. 

But the construction of the bypass will require some changes be made at the park. For example, the creek will be re-aligned to an L-shape to prevent erosion along the east end of the park.

The new parking lot entrance to Towne Park will be at the western end of Washington Street next to St. John's Lutheran Church & School. The former entrance on Jefferson Street will be closed and will be replaced by a walking trail and a new pedestrian bridge over Crystal Creek, Kumbera said.

A trail will provide access near the northestern portion of the park and will connect Towne Park to the Historic Village Hall. 

Construction updates on the Western Bypass project are available on the village of Algonquin's website.