‘Panther Park’ Vision Presented For Vacant Jerseyville Lot
JCHS teacher says a small park would make a big impact in downtown Jerseyville, bringing student ideas to life while highlighting local craftsmanship and creativity.
JERSEYVILLE – A local educator recently presented plans to transform a small piece of vacant land in downtown Jerseyville into a pocket park showcasing community artwork and more.
Erica Heitzig, a workforce development coordinator and family and consumer sciences teacher at Jersey Community High School, proposed a community partnership project using a vacant Jerseyville lot to City Council members on Sept. 1, 2026.
Heitzig sees the vacant grass lot at the corner of West Arch and State Street as an opportunity to create a new greenspace area in downtown Jerseyville while showcasing the talent of local students and community members. She suggested naming the site “Panther Park.”
“This small-scale park, approximately 25 by 50 feet, would provide residents and visitors with a place to relax, enjoy native Illinois landscaping, connect with friends and neighbors, and appreciate the activity and character of downtown Jerseyville,” Heitzig stated in her proposal. “The project is intended to be completed through a collaborative effort involving local volunteers, community organizations, [Jersey Community Unit School District] CUSD 100, businesses and University of Illinois Extension.”
The park would showcase creativity from JCHS and beyond with a rotating selection of student and community artwork, Heitzig said. Possible options may include murals celebrating Jerseyville history and custom metal artwork fabricated by JCHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) students.
CTE students could also build benches and tables for the park, as well as a welded entrance gate, though the final design and features would depend on city approval. Heitzig emphasized the park plans are “very flexible.”
In 2024, Jerseyville students participating in the University of Illinois Extension’s “My Hometown Is Cool” program presented ideas for enhancing their hometown. Jerseyville Banking Center donated $500 to help implement the winning proposal for Panther Park, but various planning hurdles have kept the project from coming to life. However, Heitzig said the university is willing to help seek grant funds for the pocket park.
One key aspect of the park would be a selection of plants that are native to the state of Illinois. Heitzig said a small group of passionate community members behind this project, the “Pollen Pals,” would like to have the native plants installed this fall so they have maximum time to fully grow in three years.
Mayor Kevin Stork said city officials would consult with the city attorney to form an official agreement, including maintenance expectations and other guidelines, for future council consideration.
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