The city-owned Hickory Hills will be closed beginning today (Monday) through approximately April 20 to accommodate site work ahead of major improvements at the park.

Initial site work includes tree removal, with select trees slated to be removed for visitor safety, opening terrain for alpine and freestyle skiing, and improving Nordic ski and all-purpose recreational trails as well as a sledding hill, according to city staff. The improvements are part of a planned $4 million overhaul to the park in partnership with the nonprofit Preserve Hickory. Other future scheduled upgrades include a new ski lodge, maintenance facility, parking, trails, disc golf, and new entrance.

Signs and barricades will be placed to define and secure work areas in the park while it's closed. Additional temporary park closures are expected this summer. Visitors can check the status of park closures online here.