Brookdale: From prairies to farms to homes
Naperville's close-knit community of Brookdale, which began in 1976, is nestled east of Route 59 and west of Raymond Drive, south of Diehl Road and north of North Aurora Road.
• Brookdale neighborhood
• City-Data.com: Brookdale demographics
"I like (Brookdale) because it's a small, very family-focused community. Also, it has a good, strong Christian community."
Catura Wilcox, resident for 17 years
"We wish our son had grown up in this neighborhood. Everyone is friendly. I also like the easy access to transportation."
Dale Jarvas, resident for almost five years
Before houses stood there, American Indians occupied the prairie grasslands, and later cattle farms owned by the Erhart, Keller and McDowell families. Now the 882 houses of Brookdale call this spot home.
A series of trails winds through the Brookdale community, connecting spacious homes and yards with parks, schools and ponds. "When you're looking for a good place for a home and family," said resident Dale Jarvas, "look here."
Here are some facts about the neighborhood:
• The Brookdale Homeowners Association was formed in 1982 and produces 10 issues of The Babbling Brook newsletter each year.
• Brookdale is part of Indian Prairie School District 204.
• Brookdale Elementary School is noted for its Millennium Bell. Students, faculty and community members raised the money for it. The bell was dedicated in 1999, with a ringing by Chuck Seidel, who was principal for 17 years. The bell, cast in St. Louis in 1907, is inscribed to read, "May the sounds of our children always ring in the air."
• Brookdale's home count is 882.
• Waubonsie Valley High School, which serves residents of Brookdale, was named for the chief of the nearest Native American village, Chief Waubonsie.
• The population for the community is 2,929, according to City-Data.com.
1. Bainbridge Greens Park: This greenway has 8.8 acres, a basin and a little league team, according to the Naperville Park District Web site. Spun around Bainbridge Greens Park, also, is a series of walkways. "It's safe for kids to walk to school, resident Dale Jarvas said.
How to get there: The park is encircled by Redfield Road, Bainbridge Drive and Foxhill Road, all just west of Raymond and accessible by Redfield Road.
2. Brookdale Elementary School: With a 2008 enrollment of 481, the kindergarten through fifth-grade school is part of Indian Prairie School District 204.
How to get there: The school is easily accessible from Raymond Drive: when heading north from North Aurora Road, take a left on Redfield Road and follow the curve until you reach the school at 1200 Redfield.
3. The Brookdale Racquet Club: With an emphasis on swimming and tennis, the club will celebrate the opening of the pool with brunch at 10 a.m. May 24 for the season. Tennis pros are Phil Galow and Robyn Mendel. The swim team, the Brookdale Buccaneers, is part of the Naperville Park District Swim Conference and is led by returning coach Trisha Meier.
How to get there: Take Raymond Drive north from North Aurora Road to Brookdale Road. Make a left into the community and on your right, just past Tudor Drive, is 1625 Brookdale Road.
