Park Meadow Project

Project Overview

As part of natural resource management, the Naperville Park District began a Park Meadow Initiative to improve its stewardship of parkland several years ago. This initiative involves converting turf grass to meadow in strategic areas in selected parks. The Park District planted the meadow areas with native wildflowers and low prairie grasses. The areas selected for conversion include stormwater detention sites and other areas that are frequently wet due to the topography of the site. The areas range in size from .10 acre to 1.25 acre.

If you have questions about these projects, please contact Peggy Motta, Project Manager, at pmotta@napervilleparks.org or at 630-848-5013.

General Project Timeline

Year 1

Removal of turf and invasive plants, shrubs and trees in planting area; preparation of soil; seeding with native Illinois low prairie mix; planting of cover crop while prairie grows.

Years 2-5

Monitoring and maintenance of meadow areas to ensure healthy growth.

Year 3

By the end of the growing season, the native prairie plants are expected to be established, covering at least 60% of the entire area.

Before and After Photos

As an example, the Park District converted turf to meadow in a drainage swale at Century Farm Park. (Please note: the 2019 project at Century Farms Park expanded the meadow that was created earlier.)