Monticello’s Burke Park closes for $3-million improvements

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — A popular spot in Monticello will soon be getting a facelift. Burke Park is now closed through next May with lots of improvements in store.

New lighted tennis, pickleball and basketball courts are on the way. Also a new inclusive playground, sand volleyball court, a new plaza, a new performance shell and paved walking path.

Terry Summers, Monticello’s City Administrator, said it’s a nearly $3 million project and will be much different by next spring.

He said renovations of this kind haven’t happened at the park before but is excited about the impact it will have on the whole community.

“We try to encourage walkable communities, we have walk, bike and hike trails throughout the community, so it’s one of those quality of life issues that the vast majority of our residents enjoy.”

Summers is also glad the new plaza will honor Robert C. Burke. He was the youngest person to earn the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. There will be two boards on display to tell his story as a marine and his connection to his hometown of Monticello.

“It’ll be a nice park for the entire community of all ages to enjoy,” Summer added.

It’s not just construction crews making it all possible, the school district is also involved.

Ryan Woodham’s industrial arts class will make bike racks. They’ll be themed in some way to match the park and remember Burke.

For a full list of improvements on the way, visit this link .

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