Harmony Grove
A diversity of people and homes find a harmonious balance in Harmony Grove of Naperville.
With nearly 400 homes from various custom builders and MAF Developments Inc., according to homeowners association board member Mike Soenke, Harmony Grove blends a variety of styles into a cohesive suburban setting. The homes, which were built mostly between 1996 and 2000, surround two ponds and are within walking distance to Kendall Elementary, part of District 204, and Pradel Park. In addition, the shopping and amenities of Route 59, including Tamarack Golf Club, are just a short drive away.
"It’s a beautiful place, a good community. Because there was quite a diversity of builders, every house is different. There are a variety of styles.”
Kevin Rhoney, resident for 12 years and the second resident in the subdivision
"I love the neighborhood, the people and the school, Kendall Elementary.”
Karina Miles, resident for 10 years
"It's a good mix of people," Rhoney said of the affluent neighborhood, whose homes average around 3,100 square feet. "I like that."
Through the homeowners association, residents participate in such activities as dinner and bowling for adults, Easter egg hunts for the children, an annual Fourth of July Parade and even an outing to see the Kane County Cougars, Soenke said. A book club and supper club round out the activities for a "close-knit and connected community where people enjoy spending time together and having fun."
1. Kendall Elementary is named for Oliver Julian Kendall, a native of Naperville and World War I hero, according to the Kendall Elementary School Web site. Having attended Ellsworth Elementary, Naperville High School and what is now North Central College, Kendall served in the army overseas in France. After being taken prisoner by a German raiding party, Kendall suffered death by torture upon his refusal to speak about the upcoming American offensive at Cantigny. The Patriots are the mascot for Kendall Elementary, which had a 2008 enrollment of 710 students, according to the Illinois School Report Card. Kendall Elementary’s overall performance on all state tests increased more than a percentage point higher from 2007 to 2008 and was higher than both District 204 and the state’s overall performance on all state tests. How to get there: To get to 2408Meadow Lake Drive, take Route 59 south to Royal Worlington Drive and make a left. Turn right at Meadow Lake Drive and you will reach the school.
2. Named for Naperville’s current and longest-serving mayor, A. George Pradel Park is a popular recreational spot for residents of Harmony Grove. The park sits just behind Kendall Elementary School. Atop its 12.1 acres of land, according to the Naperville Park District Web site, Pradel Park features one playground, one youth softball field, two backstops, two small multi-use fields and one picnic shelter. How to get there: To get to Pradel Park, continue past Kendall Elementary School on Meadow Lake Drive until you reach Pradel Drive and make a right. The park is at 4519 Pradel Drive.
3. Just across Route 59 from Harmony Grove is Tamarack Golf Club, a prime destination for both golf and banquets in its clubhouse, which seats 175 people. Designed by architect David Gill, the course features almost 7,000 yards for its par 70 championship layout, according to the Tamarack Golf Club Web site. Over the years, the course has repeatedly ranked among Chicago’s top 10 public courses by the Crain’s Chicago Golf publication, in addition to its nomination for Golf Digest’s “Best New Public Course of the Year” in 1989, according to the Web site. Tamarack Golf Club is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. How to get there: Tamarack Golf Club is at 24032 Royal Worlington Drive. Make a right from Route 59 heading south onto Royal Worlington Drive and you will reach the club.
• There are nearly 400 homes in Harmony Grove, according the homeowners association Web site.
• Harmony Grove's zip code is 60564.
