Roesner Park Grand Re-Opening October 2!

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the Fall 2010 edition of the Tartan Tidings and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Midlothian in Midlothian, Illinois. *

On Saturday, October 2, the Midlothian Park District officially re-opened Roesner Park following a $300,000 renovation.  The renovation was part of the park district's 2008 Master Plan. The Park District Board of Commissioners welcomes members of the Laurence Roesner Family who were on hand to re-open the park that was named for their grandfather in 1968.  Other elected dignitaries who joined in the festivities included State Senator Maggie Crotty, State Representative Bill Davis, Mayor Terry Stephens, Chief Vince Schavone and the Village Trustees.  The American Legion Post 690 present the colors.

The redevelopment project was designed by Sarah Huth of Design Perspectives of Naperville.  The design of the new park is meant to remind us of Midlothian's roots as a farming community that developed around the railroad.  Keeping with that theme, the 2-5 play structure is a train and a ticket booth while the 5-12 structure is a barn and silo.  Other amenities at the site are a shelter, picnic tables, a 1/5 mile walking path, decorative fencing and landscaping.  The picnic table, bench and triple climber donated by Bob and Sandy Olson were incorporated into the new play areas.

The redevelopment of this property is made possible because of early residents who cared about recreation and made sure that property was set aside for future generations to enjoy.  When Midlothian was a young community, American Legion Commander Ken Sidell and Fred Baker convinced developer John Robertson to donate a plot of ground as a play ground.  These men then gave the property to the Village of Midlothian in 1928 with the stipulation that it remain a recreational area.  In 1963 the Village gave the property known as Springfield Park to the Midlothian Park District.  In 1967 the Midlothian Park District changed the name to Laurence Roesner Park in honor of Laurence "Duck" Roesner.  Duck Roesner was a Midlothian resident who volunteered his time to maintain Springfield park.  He was also a volunteer fireman for the Village of Midlothian.