Families gathered at a ribbon-cutting event at Senn Playlot Park to celebrate the reopening of Edgewaters largest community park following an $800,000 renovation. According to a recent report by DNAinfo, the park at the corner of Elmdale and Glenwood Avenues was remodeled with brand new equipment for toddlers and older kids.

Members of the community led an effort to make the renovations a reality back in 2015. The park, named after Nicholas V. Senn, a prominent North Side researcher and physician, originally opened in 1947. The greenspace began to show its age and excitement grew among community members at the prospect of improvements.

In January 2016, Alderman Harry Osterman reached out to community members for feedback on what to include in the renovations. As an anchor for the community, the park’s future was discussed through a series of neighborhood events and meetings.

Now, locals and community members can enjoy the space that is separated into two distinct play areas. One is geared toward younger kids between the ages of two and five, and the other is for older kids aged five to 12. Each area has new slides, swings, flooring, climbing equipment, and more. 

The park officially reopened this summer, but the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the start of the inaugural Senntoberfest. The event took place Oct. 7 in the park, and it featured live music, carnival games, hayrides, a costume parade, and plenty of food and drinks.

Locals can expect to see programming through the park district and events in partnership with Senn High School.