Clarifying Recent Changes at Dr. Hal Weinberg Spirit Park

Dr. Hal Weinberg Spirit Park is a longstanding and much-loved community space, with trees, gardens, dedications and other features that hold special meaning for many residents. We recognize that the park is an important part of the community, and we appreciate the questions and concerns residents have raised.

Here are some important updates as the park renewal continues:

Chelsea Hogan Memorial Rock: The Village recognizes the importance of preserving the Chelsea Hogan memorial rock within the park. The memorial rock has been temporarily moved, and it is planned to be relocated near the existing cherry blossom tree, which remains in place, as part of the completed landscaping.

Trees and the Renewal of the Park: Some trees in the existing park were removed to accommodate the new design, which includes site regrading and other improvements required for the expansion. This included some healthy trees, as well as trees that were not healthy. We understand their importance to the community and the disappointment their removal may cause. The renewal includes extensive new tree planting, landscaping and forest restoration throughout the expanded park to create a renewed and welcoming community space for residents and future generations. While the park is still under construction, the completed landscape is still taking shape. Details for the landscaping design can be found on our website at anmore.com/park-expansion-preferred-drawings.

Community Engagement: The park expansion was shaped through three phases of community engagement, providing opportunities for residents and community groups to share their ideas for the future of the park. Feedback gathered throughout the process helped inform the preferred design, and several ideas were incorporated into the final plan. While not every suggestion could be accommodated, we recognize the value of ideas shared by the community. Learn more by reviewing our engagement summaries and documents at anmore.com/park-expansion.

The vision for the renewed park is to create a welcoming community space for residents and future generations. As construction progresses, the new Ravenswood Drive alignment, pathways, open spaces, retained and newly planted trees, forest restoration and landscaping will come together to create the completed park.

The Village will continue to share updates as construction progresses and additional information is confirmed.

Learn more: anmore.com/park-expansion