New Lenox Park District Outlines Aggressive 2026 Development Plan, Addresses Crossroads Sinkhole

New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | January 21, 2026

Article Summary:
The New Lenox Community Park District provided critical updates on major facility projects for 2026, including the deployment of a comprehensive ADA Transition Plan across 45 sites and upcoming playground replacements at local schools. Officials also noted required repairs at the Crossroads Sports Complex due to a sinkhole and concrete resurfacing issues.

Park and Facility Development Key Points:

• The WT Group initiated an ADA Assessment Transition Plan, actively auditing all 45 park district sites for accessibility compliance.

• Playground replacements for Nelson Ridge and Nelson Prairie have been ordered, with installation set to begin in June.

• Repairs are slated for Field 8 at the Crossroads Sports Complex after a pipe left during construction caused the ground to sink.

• Major site work on the Sharon’s Bay Park OSLAD Grant project and Teerling Lakes will resume in the spring.

The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, reviewed an extensive slate of capital development and facility maintenance updates, advancing long-term accessibility plans while troubleshooting immediate repair needs at its premier sports complex.

Commissioner Larson provided an update on the district’s overarching ADA Assessment Transition Plan. He reported that the district held a successful kickoff meeting on January 12, 2026. As part of the ongoing accreditation process, the WT Group will physically visit all 45 of the park district’s sites to evaluate items dealing with accessibility and compliance.

While accessibility planning maps out the future of all district properties, maintenance staff are currently dealing with unexpected physical defects at the newly constructed Crossroads Sports Complex. Commissioner Larson reported that staff have been preparing equipment for the upcoming season, but noted significant topographical issues. Specifically, an area on Field 8 sank due to a pipe that was left behind during construction. Larson stated the sinkhole will be repaired “as soon as possible,” alongside multiple areas of concrete that are currently presenting resurfacing issues.

Looking ahead to the spring and summer construction seasons, Director of Parks Maintenance Ken Stephens reported that major playground replacement projects for Nelson Ridge and Nelson Prairie have been ordered. The physical installation is scheduled to begin in June once all materials arrive.

Stephens also informed the Board that major municipal projects are poised to restart as the weather thaws. Work on the Sharon’s Bay Park Redevelopment, funded by an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant, will officially resume in April or May. Additionally, all site work at Teerling Lakes will resume in the spring, with Stephens promising further updates at the February meeting.

President Schulz added that Executive Director Greg Lewis and Associate Executive Director Lea Pipiras continue to actively participate in planning meetings with the Village of New Lenox to provide input and consultation regarding the village’s plans for a future fieldhouse.

The Board also secured its seasonal contracted services for the year. Commissioner Larson reported that Berry Landscaping will handle mowing for the 2026 season, which will mark their last season on the current contract. McCloud Aquatics has been retained to perform the 2026 pond maintenance.