In 2018, MSA embarked upon a master planning project for the Village of Mahomet’s Barber Park. A beloved community centerpiece, this 55-acre property had historically been known for its soccer fields, wide open spaces and river setting. But the Village had a broader vision and the desire to expand upon the park’s current offerings to provide more recreational opportunities.

New community amphitheater – photo courtesy of Mahomet Parks & Recreation Department Facebook page.

MSA led a comprehensive planning process that involved a study of prior plans, a community survey and input from a wide variety of stakeholders. The feedback was used in the development of the Barber Park Master Plan, which outlines exciting and new park features for future incorporation such as a community amphitheater, plaza, new splash pad, playground, additional sports fields with lighting and irrigation, updated landscape design, expanded multiuse trails and canoe/kayak launches along the Sangamon River.

After deciding to move ahead with phase one of the Barber Park improvements, the Village Board hired MSA to provide grant application and administration for the Illinois DNR Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) parks grant program. MSA and the Village were successful in securing a $400,000 OSLAD grant for the park funding.

With funding received, the Village hired MSA to design phase one park improvements and assist the Village with feature selections, a public design committee, bidding, and construction engineering. Phase one was completed in 2023 and includes a new inclusive playground, splash pad, and amphitheater.

The playground offers three slides and unique climbing features with improved site access, grading, drainage and landscaping. Nearby is the new flow-through splash pad with varying age-appropriate play zones, interactive water table, and colorful nature-themed spray features with a giant dump bucket. These features are connected by expanded new multiuse trails and paths that lead visitors to the new community amphitheater with electrical upgrades, hardscaped front patio and sloping lawn to host community music and other events.

In addition to receiving the beneficial OSLAD grant, the Village also conducted a robust grassroots fundraising campaign, garnering an additional $300,000 from local donations, sponsorships, naming rights and the Village capital improvement fund. The result is an exciting and refreshing park upgrade, with activities and areas to entertain people of all ages and abilities. The Village celebrated the grand opening of Barber Park’s new playground, splash pad and amphitheater in June 2023.

New Barber Park splash pad – photo courtesy of Mahomet Parks & Recreation Department Facebook page.