Longtime partnership helps enhance Krape Park

Since the early 1970s, Fehr Graham has helped transform the recreational landscape of Freeport, Illinois, with our contributions to 112-acre Krape Park. This vibrant community hub flourishes under Freeport Park District leadership, which is focused on establishing the park as one of Illinois' finest.

Fehr Graham has supported the Freeport Park District by taking more than 100 projects in recent years. Our focus has been on Krape Park, the crown jewel of the City's park system. Projects have ranged from new recreational facilities and amenities to essential maintenance and aging infrastructure updates.

Our services have spanned from planning and funding assistance through grant applications to conceptual and final designs, surveying, bidding and construction engineering. Notable projects include:

» A new carousel enclosure, pickleball courts, pedestrian bridges, bike paths, trails, a miniature golf course, playgrounds and restrooms.

» Ongoing maintenance and systematic upgrades to park infrastructure, ensuring safety and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Throughout the years, we've faced challenges ranging from budget constraints and accessibility issues to environmental concerns with sensitive areas of Yellow Creek's floodplains. Fehr Graham and the Park District have worked together to address these challenges without compromising the park's integrity or ignoring community needs. This includes navigating regulatory requirements with stakeholders like the City of Freeport, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Krape Park has transformed into a multiuse facility with accolades, such as being named the Outstanding Multiuse Facility Award from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. The park boasts tennis and pickleball courts, a baseball diamond, a waterfall, disc golf, amphitheater, trails, cross country skiing trails, sledding hills and more, making it a year-round destination.

Through the years, our approach always addresses immediate needs and anticipates future challenges. As we continue to work with the Freeport Park District and with several projects in the pipeline, our focus will remain on creating spaces that improve the quality of life for all residents and keep the park as a treasured local landmark.