In November 2023, the Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® was awarded a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Placemaking Grant for the creation of Elmgrove Park in the village of Elmwood Park. This opportunity was brought forward by REALTOR® and Elmwood Park Trustee Jonathan Zivojnovic, whose dedication to community improvement is truly inspiring.

Elmgrove Park is located on a lot that once housed a vacant, blighted church. The area is densely populated and lacked open space, so the village purchased and demolished the church, then developed an inclusive ADA-compliant park featuring two bag toss courts, a splash pad, a gazebo, benches, and lush landscaping, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Before and after the park from the view of the gazebo.
Photo credit: Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS®
Before and after the park from the view of the gazebo.

The park was completed in July 2024, and it now offers much-needed recreational space for residents. Walking through the park, children are laughing and playing, families are gathering, and neighbors are catching up on benches surrounded by beautiful landscaping. It's a vibrant, welcoming space that fosters community interaction and provides a safe place for children to play.

The Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® was delighted to join forces with the National Association of REALTORS® and the village of Elmwood to bring this vibrant community project to life. Witnessing the transformation from a neglected lot to a thriving park has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when leaders come together with a shared vision for their communities.

An image of the Elmgrove Park revamp complete with bag-toss courts and a splash-pad made possible by a NAR Placemaking Grant.
Photo credit: Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS®
Bag-toss courts and splash-pad for gathering at the park.

This project also highlights the importance of prioritizing community needs in urban planning. While new housing developments are crucial, so too are the spaces that allow residents to connect, relax, and enjoy their neighborhood. Elmgrove Park is now a cornerstone of the community, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The grant from the NAR Placemaking program was instrumental in this transformation, and it’s a shining example of how such initiatives can have a lasting impact on communities. By investing in public spaces, not only does the physical landscape improve, but these improvements also foster a sense of pride and belonging among residents.

Community leaders gather to celebrate the revamped Elmgrove Park ribbon-cutting, made possible due to a NAR Placemaking grant.
Photo Credit: Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS®
Community leaders gather with excitement for the park ribbon-cutting.

The creation of Elmgrove Park is more than just a success story; it’s a model for future projects. It shows that with vision, collaboration, and a focus on community needs, we can turn any space into a place of joy and connection. Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® look forward to seeing how Elmgrove Park will continue to benefit Elmwood Park for years to come and are excited about the potential for similar projects in other areas.

A heartfelt thank you to all involved for their unwavering passion and dedication. Continued collaboration and the creation of spaces that bring joy and lasting memories to our communities continue to be vital.

Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® and Elmgrove Park Trustees gather at Elmgrove Park which was revamped thanks to a NAR Placemaking Grant.
Photo credit: Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS®
Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® with Elmwood Park Trustees.