Photo credit: The City of Crown Point
In Crown Point, the city recently provided an update on the Sauerman Woods Park Improvement Project. Groundbreaking last September includes demolition of Hub Pool and excavation of a new pond. Mayor Pete Land said new amenities will include an illuminated nine-foot walking path around the pond, open green space, playground equipment for children of all abilities, an open-air pavilion with picnic tables, six pickleball and six sand volleyball courts, and 84 parking spaces.
“This whole project started several years ago. It initially started as a stormwater management project,” said Land. “About a year ago when we came in, we had the stormwater management part ready to go. Since then, we have been primarily focusing on amenities at the park. As I have always said, I want this to be a destination location.” At its core, the city says the project will address long-standing flooding issues on the southeast side of the city by upgrading stormwater capacity and improving drainage.
When work is complete, visitors will also be able to reflect on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with a tribute by the Friends of the Veterans Memorial Parkway, said a news release from the city. “There are going to be a series of nodes that are going to tell different stories of the wars, the intermediary periods of the wars and the Holocaust,” said Mitch Barloga, president of the Friends of the Veterans Memorial Parkway. “At the very end by the volleyball courts, where the walking path ends, the concept is a plaza. We will have all the names of those from Lake County who died in both world wars etched on that plaza — 1,200 names will be on that plaza.” The final phase of the project includes a roundabout at U.S. 231 and South Street and is slated to be complete in 2025.
When the park reopens to the public, the primary entrance will be located off U.S. 231, Land said. There will be a pedestrian entrance along South Street, he added. The city will continue to provide updates on the project as work progresses.
