The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) recently approved the Remedial Action Plan for Phase II of the Sportsman’s Park site remediation, allowing the Naperville Park District to continue working toward the goal of obtaining a no further remediation letter for the entire site, an effort supported by the City of Naperville as property owner. The Naperville Park District operates and maintains the park under a lease agreement with the City.
Phase II of the site remediation will begin later this spring and will include excavation, treatment, removal, and replenishment of the soil within the affected area, which is approximately 17 acres. This area is shown on the attached Phase II Remediation Restoration Site Plan as bounded by a red line and labeled as “Limits of Work.”
To prepare for the remediation of the affected soil, the Park District will need to remove plants and trees that are inside the shot fall zone where lead is present. Following the removal and remediation, the Park District will plant approximately 150 new trees plus shrubs, native vegetation and turf. The trees outside the fall zone will remain in place. The berm and evergreens along West Street together with the existing vegetation on the perimeter of the site will continue to serve as a buffer between the park and neighboring properties.
The District plans to begin removing the vegetation the week of February 24, weather permitting. Removing the plant material while the ground is still frozen reduces project costs and prevents disruption of birds’ nests in the spring.
The attached site plan shows the natural areas and improvements that will follow the remediation later this year. This plan includes natural area restoration and new walking paths that will allow the public to enjoy more of this unique park. Additional site improvements will include a paved access drive and parking lot, new walkways and trapshooting stations, and the replacement of trap field lighting.
Find information regarding the remediation of Sportsman’s Park available at the Naperville Park District’s website.
