Hawkins Park

1563 W Tower Rd, Kankakee IL 60901

Limestone Park District announces the opening of the newly renovated Hawkins Park, located at 1563 Tower Road, Kankakee. The $1.2 million project features a new 80-acre playground, two full-size Bocce ball courts, public restroom, and a paved parking lot with 127 parking slots. All the previous attractions at the park, including a large playground, new equipment, covered pavilion, cornhole courts, and a .7 mile walking path with workout stations remain at the 14-acre park.

The project, started in October 2024, was designed by Piggush Engineering with work completed by R&R Construction of Bradley. It was funded by a $500,000 OSLAD (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development) Grant matched by the park district. 

In addition to the money saved by the park district for this project, two very generous donations helped in the necessary match of the grant.

A much-appreciated donation came from area resident Alex Panozzo in honor of his parents who owned and operated Tony Panozzo Flower and Produce store on Highway 17 West for many years. Mr. Panozzo said that his parents loved giving back to the community and he was eager to donate to the park in his parents’ name. A second substantial donation was given by an anonymous benefactor. 

*Park is located in the township, not the village.