Grand Opening of Renovated Golf Mill Park

The Niles Park District is set to celebrate the grand opening of its completely renovated Golf Mill Park. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The public is invited to join Park District and Village of Niles officials at the park, located at Church Street and Cumberland Avenue. The event promises a morning of ceremonies and family-friendly activities following a $3.5 million renovation project.

According to the renovation master plan, improvements focused on the eastern half of Golf Mill Park, facing Cumberland Avenue. Formal remarks will start at 10:15 a.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Park District Board of Commissioners and Village officials will attend the ceremony. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the newly upgraded park, enjoy complimentary ice cream, kids’ giveaways, and interact with a face painter while experiencing the park’s significant improvements.

A $1.2 million grant from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, supported the renovation. This financial aid represents more than a third of the total project costs. The renovation has transformed Golf Mill Park into a modern, multi-functional recreational space.

Upgrades include new pickleball courts, resurfaced tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field with new artificial turf and improved drainage, expanded walking paths, a larger playground, a picnic shelter, a dedicated seating area, game tables, baggo courts, and a fitness station. Jim Hynes, President of the Niles Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “This is what the Niles Park District does — we bring fun to life for families across our community.”

He added that Golf Mill Park has been a central gathering place for Niles families for generations, and the renovation ensures it will continue to serve future generations. The Park District expresses pride in investing in the community’s quality of life and appreciates the state partnership through the OSLAD program.

The grand opening event is free and open to the public. No registration is needed. Guests are encouraged to enjoy ice cream and kids’ giveaways, available while supplies last.