Story posted Thursday, July 2, 2009
New & Improved Greenway Almost Ready
By TOM ROBB Journal & Topics Reporter
Workers expected to have the new Elk Grove Village greenway project completed today (Thursday) after wrapping up finishing touches earlier this week.
Village Engineer Alan Boffice was under considerable pressure to see the job completed this week as the first of four free summer concerts starts on the greenway next week.
The greenway is located between village hall and the library near the intersection of Wellington Avenue and Biesterfield Road.
The free concerts will take place each Tuesday in July at 7:30 p.m.
Last Tuesday, workers tested a new fountain on the greenway. The elaborate fountain is designed as a water feature kids can play in with water jets and a large arch with a cascading waterfall.
The greenway will use Astroturf rather than grass, which will stand up to water from the fountain.
Mayor Craig Johnson said final costs are still being figured but is expecting project costs to come in somewhere between $850,000 and $900,000. The project is paid for using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds earmarked for local redevelopment.
The Mid-Summer Classics concert series kicks off with B.J. Thomas on Tuesday, July 7.
Thomas recorded such hits as "Hooked On A Feeling", "Hey Won't You Play (Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song)", "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".
On Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. the Classic Rock All-Stars take the greenway stage.
The group includes members of legendary bands including Rare Earth, Iron Butterfly, Sugar Loaf, Alice Cooper, Cannibal and the Headhunters and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
On Tuesday, July 21, Styx tribute band Light Up performs.
The free concert series concludes on Tuesday, July 28 with Surf Rock pioneers Jan and Dean featuring Dean Torrence and members of the Beach Boys.
Jan and Dean will perform hits such as "Surf City", "Little Old Lady From Pasadena", "Deadman's Curve", "Little Deuce Coupe", "Help Me Rhonda", "Surfer Girl" and "Barbara Ann".
The free concert series will cost the village $60,000 it will take from the Smoke Free Fund. That fund has a balance of over $100,000.
Johnson said in these difficult economic times the village is attempting to step up with low cost entertainment alternatives for residents.
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