Building Fort Frankfort

 In 1998, a 60-acre parcel of land was nothing more than a gravel road and fields of dandelions. The Frankfort Park District was looking for a big idea to improve the site, but its capital budget was exhausted from its purchase.

By October 1999, the construction of Fort Frankfort was completed. The story of how funds were raised, volunteers recruited, and the actual construction is a great example of how a community can come together and make an idea a reality. 

Read the Fort Frankfort Story

The_Frankfort_Story.pdf
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 In June 2000, it was announced that Fort Frankfort had won the Governor's Home Town award. The land donation, fundraising, and construction by volunteers was recognized as a significant and successful community effort.  

Each year, Operation Playground coordinates a group of volunteers from Lincoln-Way High School and holds a "Maintenance Day" for the Fort. Students sand, stain, paint, and perform other maintenance tasks to the Fort to ensure it looks its best for the new playtime season. Students who volunteer earn service hours for helping with this project. If you or your organization are interested in help with Maintenance Day, please contact us. Students must be 16 or older to participate. 

Fort Frankfort is surrounded by sturdy picket fences. Not only are they attractive and provide added safety by keeping children inside the Fort area, they also offer the community a way to remember or honor a loved one. For $100, you can have your name or a name you choose engraved on a wooden picket. This is an opportunity to become part of an amazing play space that was designed and built by volunteers in the community. Years from now, your children and grandchildren will enjoy searching for their family names. Contact the Frankfort Park District to order a picket, 815-469-9400, or visit www.frankfortparks.org.