A NEW 'DOWNTOWN' EVENT SITE?

Many visitors and organizers of the recent BIG Picture art easel auction in the park adjacent to Stone Avenue Station on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line in La Grange were in agreement the site is perhaps one of the West End's best kept secrets.

Not used for much more than the occasional picnic or waiting place for train commuters and their rides, the unnamed park under the shade of numerous trees proved a great place to cool off and walk the paved path during the West End Art Festival.

But when the white lights were strung up high above everyone's heads on the night of Sept. 12, something magical seemed to take place. With beverages sold by La Bella Catering and pizza by Aurelio's, the natural atmosphere of the park setting, sans the occasional loud train, proved somewhat peaceful and tranquil a good part of the night.

Almost immediately after the auction ended, visitors and organizers were talking up the potential of turning the West End park -- some four blocks from the main business district -- into an informal event site in future summers.

The park, leased by the village from Metra, is accessible, attractive and offers lots of area parking space, especially at night when businesses such as the new Wyckoff-Tweedie photo studio,, Circle of Stones, the First National Bank of La Grange Katherine Dierkes' State Farm Insurance office and Harder's are closed. And any music or noise coming from the park will not impact neighbors, whose homes are a good distance away.

The park could be the site of summer concerts, kid's activity nights or perhaps a weekly dance or temporary beer garden sponsored each week by a different bar or restaurant.

Plus, opening up that end of the downtown to more events could finally tie the West End into the main downtown.

Shuttle buses could transport park patrons to and from the downtown parking deck or Calendar parking lot. Train commuters from neighboring communities could simply hop on and off the Metra for a short visit to La Grange.

Of course, if anything else is held there, the park's asphalt path system would have to be repaved and made accessible to the handicapped. And more park benches and seating and both drinking and ornamental fountains could be installed.
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Some La Grange Business Association members and officers said it's something to think about and Village President Liz Asperger, in attendance at the auction, informally agreed.

It's an idea worth considering. Let us know what you think.