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Family funds design process for new Robins Park playground; village says final cost and scope not yet set
Summary
A Hinsdale family has funded professional design work for a themed playground at Robins Park; Parks staff said the project remains at early design stage, will return to the commission with proposed designs and that the village has not yet determined whether it will contribute funds.
A family that long used Robins Park has funded professional design work for a replacement playground with a “tree fort” theme, Parks staff told the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday.
Why it matters: the gift could accelerate replacement of the park’s eastern playground, which staff had already identified on its maintenance schedule and for future capital planning.
Staff said the family approached the village in 2022 and the parties have had multiple discussions about locations and design. The family’s foundation is paying for a professional service company to prepare initial playground designs, but staff said they have not yet seen final designs, a cost estimate or a construction schedule. The project, staff said, would be presented to the commission for feedback once designs are available, and the family has been invited to share the story behind the gift.
Parks staff said the proposal would replace the existing equipment “within the footprint” of the eastern Robins Park playground near the parking lot; it is not intended as incremental park acreage expansion. The village is still determining whether it will contribute funds or other in‑kind support and said it will assess whether the project offsets future capital projects planned in the Village’s CIP.
Commissioners asked whether the family selected Robins Park for sentimental reasons and whether the new playground would add capacity; staff said the family spent time at Robins and the site fits the village’s replacement schedule. Staff emphasized that many details — budget, final design, installation timeline and any village contribution — are still to be decided.
Ending: Staff said it will return with design options and cost estimates when available; commissioners said they look forward to a formal proposal and the family’s presentation when the packet items are ready.
