North Pond Nature Sanctuary

A functional destination spot, to be located on the north side of North Pond, includes a native sedge meadow critical to the ongoing health of the pond. Native sedges will naturally filter both city and stormwater to healthfully replenish the Pond. Each year millions of gallons of potable city water are added to maintain pond depth and temperature. As fresh water becomes more valuable on our planet, we must find ways to ensure North Pond Nature Sanctuary is sustainable. This lovely feature is the first step to making that a reality. It also has wonderful side benefits: connecting the north and south sections of the park, opening up views across the pond, and improving open space at the park’s north end for all the  activities people love such as picnics, soccer, frisbee, sunbathing, and playing with your children and dogs. Vehicular guardrails and other safety features will be added along the nearby roads to ensure a safe play environment.

This new concept in outdoor play is sure to engage children of all ages and abilities in a safe, fun environment. To be located on a pretty, tree-lined opening north of Mt. Prospect (aka: the sledding hill), and replacing the existing Sunshine Playlot, the Sunshine Playscape will blend traditional equipment such as swings and sandboxes with new natural features such as hillside slides and discovery activities. Certain features, like willow tunnels, will be changed every few years, to provide frequent visitors with the opportunity to make fresh discoveries. Studies increasingly illustrate the importance of regular exposure to outdoor nature settings, which can benefit children in many ways: reduce ADHD symptoms, increase testing scores, improve critical thinking, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s not bad for parents and grandparents either!