Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm is a 40 year old living museum and historically themed amusement park in Aurora, Illinois. The site is situated on 64 acres that are well landscaped with an arboretum feel.

The Fox Valley Park District engaged Upland Design along with co-lead Jack Rouse Associates to create a master improvement and renovation plan. Public input was sought through open house forums as well as on-site surveys. The final master plan booklet incorporates each facility element and provides a map for identifying the phased implementation. The Fox Valley Park District adopted the plan, and funded implementation of the first phase.

Upland Design led the development of construction documents for phase one elements including the new boat dock, boat house shelter, pedal tractor area, special event plaza, and community performance shelter. Located at the edge of Lake Gregory and adjacent to the Blackberry Creek the new event area is in the floodplain and was designed to take flood waters. Other amenities include an event plaza, a performance shelter and renovation of the pedal tractor area. Finally, a creative farm themed adventure playground was created to engage the 5-10 year old visitors to explore and play.