Community Corner
Cool Acres: A New Version of Good Living
Weekly musings from Jeff Long, public relations director for the Fox Valley Park District.
To my fellow neighbors and community residents: we are truly lucky to live in the Fox Valley.
We just tend to lose sight of the fact sometimes. Or perhaps we take it for granted. But the observations of outsiders re-emphasize the reality,
Visitors to our area always remark about the wonderful network of bike trails, the spacious expanse of parks and the beautifully green areas of preservation that line the Fox River for all to enjoy.
Find out what's happening in Montgomerywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
They don’t have such amenities back home—at least not ones this nice.
I was reminded of that recently when a group of friends, many from out of town, gathered at Cool Acres Park for a “Smoke Fest.” We’re talking men cooking meat on smokers and grills—an opportunity for us to share and show off our outdoor cooking expertise.
Find out what's happening in Montgomerywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
While sampling smoked delicacies, the rave reviews were equally divided between the slow-cooked masterpieces and the park itself. The sweet aroma in the air, a light breeze tickling the trees, the Fox River glistening next to us and a silver keg of refreshment to celebrate. Man, this was living!
It’s why Cool Acres, located off Route 25 just north of Indian Trail, is one of the Fox Valley Park District’s most popular gathering sites. Able to accommodate large groups, Cool Acres is the perfect venue for class reunions, graduation parties—you name it, just about any type of get-together.
And, the fact that Cool Acres permits alcohol to be part of the celebration makes it unique among the Park District’s 17 reservable picnic shelters and park sites.
If you haven’t been to Cool Acres lately, get there. Throw an outdoor party or get invited to one. You’ll be pleasantly impressed by the “new” Cool Acres.
A multi-faceted renovation plan has delivered stark improvements to the large shelter house while increasing capacity and accessibility at Cool Acres. You’ll notice immediately upon entering the park: a newly paved access road leading to a series of new parking areas able to park 70 vehicles.
Drop-off and turnaround areas add convenience, and much of the parking space is constructed with environmentally smart, permeable pavers that reduce runoff and filter storm water before it returns to the river.
The shelter house itself is stunning, a farm country throwback-style structure with modern upgrades including a new shingled roof, skylights, siding and doors. Completely enclosed, it can accommodate up to 200 people with garage-like doors that can convert the party into an open-air celebration.
Two new playgrounds, each age-specific, are part of the scene now, too, providing a great diversion for the young ones. A sand play area and an open field play area provide additional room to romp.
My friends will be especially appreciative of the extended patio areas around the shelter, with a designated paver area for grills, and the fishing hotspots just a stone’s throw away from the festivities.
The new Cool Acres is definitely a community asset, made possible by funding from the 2008 referendum that created the Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment (OSPRI) plan that has brought wonderful improvements and additional open space District-wide.
Sometimes you make your own luck, and we’re definitely lucky out here in the Fox Valley to have what we have. And we keep making it better.
Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net