Mokena’s Main Park Playground Nominated for Statewide ‘Playground of the Year’ Award

Mokena Community Park District Meeting | September 23, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Community Park District’s recently renovated, all-inclusive playground at Main Park has been nominated for a statewide “Playground of the Year” award. The nomination recognizes the project’s creative and inclusive design, which was accomplished within a challenging space.

Main Park Playground Nomination Key Points:

• The new playground at Main Park has been nominated for “Playground of the Year.”

• The nomination specifically cites the playground’s inclusiveness for all users.

• It also praises the creative design that overcame the spatial challenges of the park location.

The new all-inclusive playground at Mokena’s Main Park has been nominated for a “Playground of the Year” award, Mokena Park District Executive Director Greg Vitale announced at the board meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

In his report to the board, Vitale shared the positive news about the recently completed project. He noted that the firm Burke, which was involved with the playground’s development, chose to nominate the park for the statewide honor.

According to Vitale’s report, the nomination was based on two key factors: the playground’s high level of inclusiveness and the innovative solutions used to overcome the spatial constraints at Main Park. The recognition follows significant community enthusiasm for the new facility, which was part of a major renovation effort by the park district.

The board also heard that additional amenities were recently added to the playground area for children aged 2 to 5. The nomination serves as another point of success for the district, which also recently celebrated the grand opening of the renovated Yunker Farm Red Barn. Commissioners expressed their pride in the district’s recent projects and the positive feedback from the community.