Better Access Key in Rocketship Park Revamp

Preliminary plans for a revamped Rocketship Park were presented earlier this month with a focus on building and all-inclusive playground that is accessible to children with special needs as well as patients who rehabilitate from surrounding facilities.

The renovation is contingent on a state grant that would help cover the fees. The Village Board voted on Aug. 5 to seek up to $300,000 from a state matching fund.

The initial concept of the park includes removal of the sand and replacing it with a rubberized surface. Raised planting beds, a sitting wall and additional shrubbery will be installed to give the park a more natural aesthetic.

A basketball court would be removed and the other be turned around and would be a brand new court. One audience member expressed disappointment at the possibility of losing one court.

"I think it would be a great error, mistake. I thought we would be adding . I'd like to see more, not less," he said. 

The plans, said Kessel are in the concept phase and have not been adopted. She expects to hear back on the grant by the end of October and hopes to break ground by the spring. The promise of an all-inclusive playground has Kessel excited about the rebuilding.

"There should never be a child looking through the fence," she said.