Mission Statement
To provide assistance, support or encouragement for the creation, development, enhancement, and/or improvement of the facilities and programs for the youth and adults of Frankfort. Operation Playground will also promote and foster a spirit of volunteerism within the community.
Phil Simmons Legacy
Phil Simmons, was the one of the founding members of Operation Playground Foundation and served as the President for 20+ years. Sadly we learned of the unexpected passing of Phil.
Phil Simmons was a passionate man. Many people are passionate, but Phil acted on his passion. Phil's role in the Fort Frankfort project was as the Fundraising Chair, securing the money and helping ensure it was taken care of.
From that day forward, Phil established and ensure Operation Playground Foundation was in place. Working with others to maintain the Fort and raising money to fill the gap for the Frankfort Park District. Phil loved his family and his community. He will be greatly missed but his legacy is strongly rooted here in community of Frankfort.
In loving memory of Philip Simmons - Obituary Baldwin Brothers (baldwincremation.com)
How We Started
Operation Playground is a 501(c)(3) organization and was established in 2000 by a group of volunteers in Frankfort, Illinois.
Its initial project was the construction of Fort Frankfort, a children's park which is situated within Commissioner's Park located at Laraway Road and S. 80th Ave. Operation Playground's second major project was Frankfort Bark Park, a dog park with a state-of-the-art gate and monitoring system. The dog park which opened in May 2007 sits on three acres of land at the northwest corner of Commissioner's Park. Latest projects include funding of the 3-on-3 basketball half courts at Main Park and installation of the Ga-ga pit at Commissioners Park. Click on the respective tabs to learn more about each of the beautiful parks. Operation Playground continuously raises money year-round to maintain both of these parks as well as adding amenities or enhancements to other Frankfort parks.
Award-Winning Projects
Our community is full of people who want to help. We work to help the people providing services with the people who need them. Come and connect with people in new ways.
- In June 2000, Fort Frankfort was the recipient of the Governor's Hometown Award. The contributions made by community volunteers to build Fort Frankfort was a key element to receiving the award.
- In spring 2008, Frankfort Bark Park was voted one of the nation's Top 10 Dog Parks by Dog Fancy Magazine.
We invite you to view the long list of our Completed Projects.