Hunter Prairie Park Redevelopment Nears Completion with New Amenities

Frankfort Square Park District Meeting | October 16, 2025

Article Summary: Work on the Hunter Prairie Park Redevelopment project is advancing quickly, with new asphalt paths, a basketball court, tennis courts, and batting cages now installed, according to an update provided at the park district’s recent board meeting.

Hunter Prairie Park Key Points:

• Asphalt has been poured for a new walking path and a basketball “point and shoot” area.

• Fencing is up for tennis courts and a community garden, and nets have been installed in batting cages.

• Painting of the basketball court may be delayed until Spring 2026 to ensure proper curing and expedite collection of IDNR grant funds.

• A private dedication for an interpretive sign is planned for mid-to-late November, with a public park dedication to follow in the spring.

Frankfort Square Park District residents will soon be able to enjoy a host of new amenities at Hunter Prairie Park, as officials reported significant progress on the OSLAD grant-funded redevelopment project at the board’s meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Executive Director Audrey Marcquenski reported that asphalt work for a new walking path winding through the park and a basketball “point and shoot” area is complete. Fencing has been installed for the tennis courts and community garden area, and nets are up in the new batting cages. New cement sidewalks have also been added to improve access within the park.

During the meeting, it was noted that while the project is progressing well, the painting of the new basketball court asphalt may be delayed. To avoid weather-related issues and ensure the asphalt fully cures, the board may remove the painting from the current contract. This would allow the park district to submit a final report to collect grant funds from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) sooner. The court could then be painted in the spring of 2026 when weather is more favorable.

A draft of an interpretive sign for the park has been finalized with input from the board. A private dedication for the sign is expected to take place in mid-to-late November. A larger public dedication for the park is planned for the spring, once finishing touches like drinking fountains are installed.