If all goes according to plan, Hinsdale’s Burlington Park will have a newly-built pavilion by July 4.
Among other things, the Burlington Park Pavilion will be used by the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce for its annual summer concert series, Uniquely Thursdays. These events have traditionally been held on a temporary stage at Burlington Park, and now the new pavilion will provide a more permanent and improved setting.
“There has been longstanding community interest in creating a more permanent and functional space in Burlington Park to support events and everyday use,” said Alex Snyder, Hinsdale’s assistant to the village manager. “The pavilion is intended to improve how the park serves residents while preserving its character.”
Following a Nov. 4 Village Board meeting at which the board discussed constructing a permanent pavilion in Burlington Park, a village survey was conducted. The results included 220 responses, with 72% supporting a permanent pavilion.
Snyder said construction on the pavilion is expected to begin once the village awards a contract this month.
“Completion is anticipated by July 4, weather and contractor mobilization permitting, with the goal of making the pavilion available for the community to gather and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” he said, adding that the pavilion will provide “a lasting community asset tied to that milestone.”
Snyder said the pavilion design was developed to complement the character of Burlington Park and surrounding architecture.
He said construction of the Burlington Park Pavilion is expected to be privately funded with donations from partners including UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce and Hinsdale Bank and Trust. Michael Abraham Architecture has also contributed the architectural design and plans for the pavilion.
“Village leadership worked closely with these partners to structure the project in a way that avoids the use of taxpayer dollars,” Snyder said.
Village President Greg Hart said not relying on taxpayer dollars for the new pavilion was a priority from the start.
“I worked closely with our local partners to bring that together, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as a community,” he said.
“This project also reflects our broader vision for Hinsdale: preserving what makes our community special, while continuing to invest in its future. It’s about honoring our character and history, while creating spaces the next generation can enjoy for years to come.”
Along with the summer Uniquely Thursday concerts, the Burlington Park Pavilion will be used for a variety of community events, including the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce Annual Art Fair, the Annual Christmas Walk, the UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Ice Cream Social, and other village programming.
“It will also create a flexible space for additional community programming, such as local school performances, concerts, civic gatherings, and other events that bring residents together,” Snyder said.
“The pavilion will create a high-quality, dedicated space for community events, while enhancing the overall park experience. It reflects strong local partnership and an investment in amenities that will serve residents for years to come.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
