While pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport, municipalities across northern Illinois are looking to the latest fads of pump tracks, futsal courts, and inclusive playgrounds to add to public park renovations.

Trends come and go, so park districts are often tasked with figuring out what is going to stick in their communities when updating their parks. Crystal Lake Park District Park Planning and Development Manager Amy Olson said she relies on community input through open house meetings and online and phone surveys.

Every five years, a strategic master plan provides guidance on what is and isn’t working while finding out what’s on the community’s wish list, Olson said. Crystal Lake residents are still ecstatic about pickleball and would like to see outdoor fitness areas and an outdo

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