WE BOUGHT A FARM!

The Streamwood Park District bought a farm, E-I-E-I-O.

The Streamwood Park District just completed the acquisition of eleven (11) acres of land, located at 360 W. Schaumburg Road, for the development of a new parks maintenance facility and administrative office. The new property, called Ian’s Farm, was once the former location of Clauss Landscaping, and more recently Complete Site Solutions, Inc.

The name Ian’s Farm pays homage to the former owner Ian Stevenson. Ian’s Farm is the Park District’s first piece in building for the future and helps to provide redevelopment opportunities throughout the District including expanded parking at Shady Oaks Park, potential expansion of the Hoosier Grove Barn, and creating additional space for the development of Sunny Hill Park.

According to Executive Director Jeffrey Janda, “The acquisition is like a puzzle piece that, when connected to other puzzle pieces (park locations), creates a beautiful picture.” Janda went on to say that the new facility will improve Park District operational efficiency in that equipment and supplies will be located in a central location whereas they currently are stored in various areas across the Park District.

The Park District purchased the property for $1.2 million and anticipates investing additional funding into renovations and required infrastructure improvements including water, sewer, stormwater retention, and other required updates.

As an added bonus, the Park District will be installing a 10’ wide bike path along Schaumburg Road. This trail will help close up and connect some of the sidewalk gaps along Schaumburg Road as well.

What makes the property so desirable is that the existing buildings and layout were designed for a landscaping/wholesale nursery, and can be easily modified for similar Park District use. Additionally, the property provides the required space for the relocation of the current administrative center located at 777 S. Bartlett Road.

Future planned development at Ian’s Farm includes Community Gardens. The garden plots are expected to be a minimum of 10’x10’ and will be available for rent by the public during the growing season.

You can stay up-to-date on the progress of the development of the future home of the Parks Department and Administrative Office by visiting Streamwoodparks.org/project/ians-farm and on Facebook.