Why Update Jaycee Park

Over thirty years ago, TCWC donated the main play equipment that currently inhabits Jaycee Park. Since then, the Club has raised private funds to update swings, re-surface the basketball court/blacktop, and add other small play equipment. While TCWC has been able to make small improvements to Jaycee Park over the years, the Park needs major updates. The current play equipment and surfacing under the play equipment are not ADA accessible; railroad ties are rotting and exposing rebar; the fencing on the west side of the property that protects children from running into traffic on busy Oakland Avenue is not only incomplete, but also deteriorating and rusting; and lack of adequate parking presents a hazard for children and traffic.

In the fall of 2020, the City of Petersburg partnered with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA) to develop a Community Revitalization Strategy. As part of the development process, a Community Needs Assessment Survey was conducted. 119 responses were collected. The number one development need cited by survey respondents was parks & recreation. Further, only 45% of respondents indicated that our community is pedestrian-friendly.

Now, more than ever, children, adults, and families need access to safe outdoor spaces where they can play, socialize and engage in other physical activities. Jaycee Park is an ideal location in our community, just a short walk from Petersburg Elementary School, and provides many mature shade trees and a covered pavilion. It has good bones but needs a refresh. We need your help to update the Park to meet the current and future needs of our community!

Big News!

Phase 2 construction (mostly) complete and Phase 3 fundraising underway! 

In January 2023, TCWC completed Phase 1 of the project at a cost of $43,147 for all new fencing and gates to fully enclose the Park property. Phase 2 construction began in the Spring of 2024 and was completed in the Summer of 2024 and included: removal of existing playground equipment; purchase and installation of new, accessible playground equipment, new fitness equipment and new sports equipment; installation of turf surfacing under the playground and fitness equipment; removal of the asphalt basketball court and installation of a concrete basketball court. 

Construction of  a one-stall bathroom with water fountain is currently underway. A big thanks to Lonnie McAnally and the PORTA Industrial Arts and Building Trades classes, Henson Robinson Company/Petersburg Plumbing & Excavating, and the City of Petersburg for working in partnership to fund and construct the bathroom facility.

Fundraising for Phase 3 of the project, a concrete walking path around the inside perimeter of the Park is ongoing.

THANK YOU to our donors and sponsors for your support! 

The Plan

TCWC partnered with Play Illinois, LLC and BCI Burke to assess the current Jaycee Park property and design a space that will satisfy functional, environmental, and safety considerations while bringing joy and excitement to the children, adults and families that will utilize the Park. TCWC has developed a comprehensive plan for the entire property which meets ADA accessibility guidelines, including:

• All new fencing to keep kids safe and contained from the busy traffic on Oakland Avenue
• A designated parking area on Adams Street
• Removal of existing play structures
• All new playground equipment, with ramps, that will meet the play needs of children ages 2-5 and 5-12
• New fitness equipment, basketball hoops and soccer goals
• New, ADA compliant surfacing under all playground equipment
  
• A new, one-stall bathroom facility and water fountain
• A brand new 8' wide walking/bike path that extends around the inside perimeter of the property and concrete basketball court

TCWC will prioritize using local and area contractors for all work associated with this project.