Upgrades Coming to the Batavia Riverwalk Playground and Engstrom Family Park

BATAVIA, IL – Two Batavia Park District sites are set for upgrades thanks to capital allocations from the State of Illinois. The Batavia Riverwalk playground will receive playground grass surfacing, and Engstrom Family Park will be upgraded with restrooms featuring flushable toilets.

Illinois Senator Linda Holmes and State Representative Matt Hanson announced at the June Batavia Park Board meeting. Together, they secured $250,000 for these improvements at the Riverwalk and Engstrom Family Park as part of the state’s Member Funding Initiative.

The new playground grass surfacing meets playground safety standards and will maintain ADA accessibility to the Batavia Riverwalk playground and ensure the playground remains safe, attractive and functional for the children who use it. Flushable toilets at Engstrom Family Park will make game days, family outings and extended park visits even better. These facilities will enhance the park's functionality, ensuring it continues to serve the community as a welcoming and well-maintained destination.

“These upgrades will help two of the park district’s most popular parks provide much-needed amenities,” said Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela. “Engstrom Family Park is the site of soccer and softball games and its playground is a popular destination for families.”

Our community needs assessment identified Engstrom Family Park as the District's second most heavily used park, so this improvement will be a welcome enhancement for the many families, teams and visitors who utilize the park's soccer fields, softball field, playground and shelter amenities,” she said.

Hanson noted that his office is near Engstrom Family Park and he’s seen people line up to use the portable restrooms during busy times at the park. “There’s always a demand there,” he said. “That park is used by so many.”

“Park Districts play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for members of the community,” Holmes said. “Access to nature, green spaces and recreation provide both mental and physical health opportunities. They also provide space for people to gather for team sports or social events.”

Additionally, “trees and vegetation enhance the environment by improving air quality, filtering water and providing necessary habitats for native plants, birds, wildlife and beneficial insects like bees,” she added.
In addition, State Representative Maura Hirschauer has committed $200,000 toward the Batavia Park District and City of Batavia's joint watershed repair project at H. Michael Wild Park. Illinois Senator Karina Villa's office also verbally committed $100,000 for the District’s infrastructure projects.

All three grants are reimbursable grants, and funding is anticipated in May 2027. 

For more information on Batavia Park District programs and events, call (630) 879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.