On Saturday, September 16, over 200 Oak Park residents came out to celebrate the grand re-opening of Andersen Park. This was the first park renovation project completed by the Park District of Oak Park since the successful approval of the “Renew Our Parks” referendum in April 2005. Improvements to Andersen Park include a new playground, swings, a roll hill, and three decorative paved seating areas surrounding the play area. Unique features to be completed are a splash pad and a woven willow dome, a group of willow trees formed to create a distinctive play environment. The Park District of Oak Park is actively pursuing its mission: “In partnership with the community, we provide quality parks and recreation experiences for the residents of Oak Park.”

The Lipsey family (left) and the Funk family (right), Andersen Park neighbors, were invited to help cut the ribbon to open the park officially. These families represented the many residents who attended community meetings as part of the site plan development of Andersen Park. Park Board President David Kindler, holding the giant scissors, did his best to assist.

The view from the top of the tallest slide in the park!

Princess Buttercup (also known as OPRF senior Jules Woodard) was on hand to pass out fairy-tale themed stickers ....

... and Princess Buttercup also read three fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen (the park's namesake) to children in the park.

Gotta love those swings ...

Princess Buttercup poses with two children on the new play equipment.

Princess Buttercup poses with a young park visitor.