Sterling opens upgraded Thomas Park
A $600,000 state grant funded new pickleball courts, a playground with zip lines, and a fishing pier at the 12.25-acre facility.
By Anthony Lawson ·
Thomas Park in Sterling reopened on Friday afternoon following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked the completion of major renovations at the 12.25-acre site located at 2301 12th Ave. The improvements include eight pickleball courts, two basketball courts, a fishing pier, and a large playground designed for children ages 2 to 12. The new playground features two zip lines. The park also received drainage upgrades and a 21-car parking area off 12th Avenue.
The project was largely funded by a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The agency awarded the Open Space Land and Development grant to help cover costs for the work. Gov. JB Pritzker announced the funding decision on Dec. 16, 2024. The park remains home to the existing Dogwood Acres Dog Park.
Marvin Reyes, president of the Sterling Park Board, described the updated facility as a special addition for residents and visitors. Reyes noted that the new construction adds active recreation options to the site. He stated that the park now combines innovative play equipment with the passive recreational opportunities it previously offered.
Jana Jacobs, the district’s director of parks and planning, and Ryan Stutzke, parks maintenance manager, oversaw the project for the district. Joseph Brusseau of RVI Planning and Esther Markwart Comacho of WT Group provided landscape architecture and engineering services. Brandon Stichter of Stichter Construction served as the general contractor.
Most of the improvement project is currently complete. The park is open to the public.
