Park improvments slated for Franklin Park, Melrose Park

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Updated: October 30, 2011 12:53AM

Several large projects are underway or about to begin in west Cook County suburban parks.

The Park District of Franklin Park expects to complete its renovation of Ruby-Addison Park, by the middle of July, said Joe Modrich, director.

“The whole park was totally redone,” Modrich said. Projects include building a new shelter and adding improved swing sets, playground equipment and a bridge.

The renovation of the .27-acre park at Ruby and Addison streets costs $159,000 and is part of the district’s annual budget.

The district is also waiting to hear from the state’s Department of Natural Resources on whether it will fund projects at the ice arena at 9711 Waveland Ave. and community center, 9650 Franklin Ave.

In Veterans Park District, two large projects will soon be underway, both in Melrose Park.

The district plans to go out to bid for the renovation of Montoya Park on 18th Avenue on July 6. The proposal includes new landscaping, a new playground, new gazebo, fencing and lighting.

The district also is sheduled to open bids to construct a 34,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility at 17th Avenue and Reisch Street. The proposed center will have a field large enough for indoor soccer and football, a suspended running track, offices, fitness center and meeting rooms.

Executive Director Donna Peluso projects the multipurpose facility will be completed by spring or summer of 2012. Park District officials aren’t releasing an estimate of the center’s projected cost until bids are opened.

To pay for those and other projects, the district plans to sell $4.5 million in general obligation bonds.

Veteran’s Park District serves Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Northlake and River Grove.