STATE ANNOUNCES $25.3 MILLION IN PARKS GRANTS
Funds for land acquisition and development of local parks throughout Illinois

SPRINGFIELD –Illinois residents will have greater opportunities for recreation and relaxation as Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced $25.3 million in grants for 77 local park projects throughout Illinois. The grants fund an array of enhancements, including new land to be developed into parks, funding for new projects in existing parks, and protection of natural areas.

“Developing parks is good for the Illinois economy. When people choose where they will raise their families, parks are part of the equation of evaluating quality of life in a community,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold. “As we make communities attractive to families by developing parks, we make the communities attractive to businesses looking for places to locate or expand where their employees will be happy.”

Funding for the grants derives from two sources established specifically to provide money for local park projects - the state Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program ($21.2 million) and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program ($4.1 million). The two matching grant programs provide up to one-half the funding for local park land acquisition and development projects.

Today’s grants will pay for a wide gamut of recreational opportunities. The new development projects include funds for new playgrounds, ball diamonds, basketball courts, soccer fields, walking and jogging paths, and skating facilities.

The grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Local governments interested in applying for grants through OSLAD/LWCF should contact the IDNR Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, or check the web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.

FY2005 OSLAD/LWCF GRANT RECIPIENTS

(A) - Land Acquisition Project
(D) - Park Development Project

(D) ALGONQUIN, VILLAGE OF (McHenry Co.) $400,000, to develop a 145-acre community park, including a bike path, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, playground, two shelters, interpretive trails and a parking lot.

(D) BARRINGTON PARK DISTRICT (Lake Co.) $400,000, for initial development of a former brownfield site, adjacent to the Cuba Marsh Nature Preserve, to include playfields, trails, walking path, ice skating rink, picnic areas, shelters, gazebo, playground, amphitheater, nature hut, restrooms, maintenance building, road improvements and a parking lot.

(D) BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT (Kane Co.) $400,000, to add ballfield lighting, a playground, canoe launch area, and a BMX action park, as well as bridges, shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, fishing stations, and shelter renovation.

(D) BEDFORD PARK DISTRICT (Cook Co.) $400,000, for renovation of the 10.5-acre community park to include a splash pad playground, tot lot playground, shelter, restrooms, baseball and softball fields.

(D) BENSENVILLE PARK DISTRICT (DuPage Co.) $265,000, for development of the first passive park site in the community. Development will include a wetland demonstration area, native plants, a woodland garden, sensory and therapeutic gardens, shelter, interpretive displays, environmental-theme playground, drinking fountain and a parking lot.

(D) BLOOMINGTON, CITY OF (McLean Co.) $400,000, for renovation of the existing Holiday Park pool. A new pool deck, filter system, children’s pool, bathhouse/concession building and parking lot will be constructed.

(A) CAROL STREAM PARK DISTRICT (DuPage Co.) $383,900, to acquire 4.5 acres of land for a neighborhood park. Proposed development will include a fitness trail, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, a shelter with game tables, landscaping and a parking lot

(D) CHAMPAIGN PARK DISTRICT (Champaign Co.) $400,000, to renovate Centennial Park Pool. Renovation will be completed on the pool, bathhouse and filter building.

(A) CHAMPAIGN PARK DISTRICT (Champaign Co.) $215,200, to acquire 18.2 acres for a neighborhood park on Staley Road in northwest Champaign. Future development will include a playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, practice sports fields, landscaping and parking.

(D) CHARLESTON, CITY OF (Coles Co.) $400,000, to renovate Rotary Pool. Upgrades will include a new filter system, stainless steel guttering, concrete decking, zero depth wading pool, lengthening lap pool, mechanical/restroom/concession building and landscaping.

(D) CHICAGO, CITY OF (Cook Co.) $576,000, development of a 1.1-acre park. Plans include relocating the parking lot, removing the fieldhouse and adding a playground, athletic field, basketball/volleyball court, lighting, seating and landscaped learning gardens.

(D) CHICAGO, CITY OF (Cook Co.) $381,100, to develop 6.8-acre Palmer Square Park to include a playground, walking trails, soft surface jogging trail, open lawn areas, lighting, seating, and landscaping.

(D) CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT (Cook Co.) $856,800, for initial development of Kedvale Park to include a soccer field, playground, basketball court, spray pool, landscaping, walkways, lighting, entry plazas and fencing.

(D) CLARK COUNTY PARK DISTRICT (Clark Co.) $49,900, to further develop Mill Creek Recreation Area by constructing a shelter, basketball court, volleyball court, soccer/football field, parking and lighting.

(A) CLYDE PARK DISTRICT (Cook Co.) $117,500, to acquire19 acres of land as an expansion of North Clyde Park. The proposed development for this addition is a tot lot.

(D) CRETE PARK DISTRICT (Will Co.) $163,100, to further develop Heritage Park with ballfields, picnic shelter, two playgrounds and a skate park.

(D) DECATUR PARK DISTRICT (Macon Co.) $352,500, to develop soccer fields at Mound Park on Mound Road on the north side of Decatur. The project also includes the lighting of two existing soccer fields at the Soccer Complex and a walking path around Mound Park.

(D) DEKALB COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT $70,000, to further develop Potawatomi Woods Forest Preserve with water service, picnic shelters, interpretive trail with signage and an observation deck, play equipment, a canoe launch and landscaping

(D) DUNDEE TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICT (Kane Co.) $269,900, for initial development of Silverstone Lakes Park in Carpentersville. Development will include baseball fields, soccer fields, playground, exercise path, parking and landscaping.

(A) DUPAGE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (DuPage Co.) $703,000, to acquire 22.85 acres of land that will complete the acquisition of the Medinah Wetlands site. The site is a natural area for public education and enhancement of existing wetland flora and fauna.

(D) ELGIN, CITY OF (Kane Co.) $400,000, to further develop Continental Park by adding a boat launch, fishing pier, playground, shelters, parking, shoreline stabilization and habitat enhancement. The ballfields will also be improved.

(D) ELK GROVE PARK DISTRICT (Cook Co.) $400,000, for construction of a new pool, tot pool, in-line skating/ice rink, picnic area and pathways in Rainbow Falls Water Theme Park.

(D) EVANSTON, CITY OF (Cook Co.) $400,000, for redevelopment of Mason Park. Construction will include upgrading the playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball fields, walkways, and site furnishings.

(D) FAIRMOUNT, VILLAGE OF (Vermilion) $30,300, for renovation of the existing community park located on State Street. Improvements include a new playground, repairs to the pavilion, basketball court, tennis court, and the development of a parking lot

(D) FRANKFORT PARK DISTRICT (Will Co.) $221,000, construction of the new 20-acre Jackson Creek Park site with shelters, a playground, ballfields, a skate park, fishing pier, basketball courts, open play areas, walking path, restroom building and landscaping.

(D) FRANKFORT SQUARE PARK DISTRICT (Will Co.) $144,000, to improve Union Creek Park, including a fenced dog park area with exercise structures, a teen performance shelter, a new playground and therapeutic sensory garden.

(D) FRANKLIN PARK DISTRICT (Cook Co.) $151,500, to redevelop Robinson Crusoe Park, located on Crescent Drive. Development plans include a playground, t-ball field, ball practice area with batting stations, basketball shoot-around and a water spray ground.

(A) FREMONT TOWNSHIP (Lake Co.) $601,800, to acquire 28 acres of land for future park development. Planned future development consists of multi-use football/soccer/lacrosse fields, picnic shelter, playground, gardening plots, interpretive trail and restroom facilities.

(D) GENEVA PARK DISTRICT (Kane Co.) $400,000, to develop Mill Creek Community Park on Keslinger Road. Proposed facilities include ballfields, football fields, an access road, parking, shelter, playground, interpretive paths and wetland/prairie restoration.

(D) GENOA TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICT (Dekalb Co.) $192,900, to develop a new 4.11- acre neighborhood park on Madison Street. Amenities will include an interpretive/walking path, playground, picnic pavilion and landscaping.

(D) GRAYSLAKE PARK DISTRICT (Lake Co.) $400,000, to restore and expand resources at Central Park. Planned development includes three group picnic shelters, a community scale playground, an interactive water splash pad, a senior citizen recreation area with game tables and courts, accessible fishing overlooks, an amphitheater with pavilion with terraced seating

(A) GRAYSLAKE PARK DISTRICT (Lake Co.) $750,000, to acquire 40 acres on Alleghany Road in southern Grayslake. Future development of the site includes sports fields and courts, picnic areas, a playground, trails, habitat restoration and parking.

(D) GURNEE PARK DISTRICT (Lake Co.) $283,500, initial development of Churchill Hunt Park. Proposed development will include habitat restoration in the woods and wetlands, walking paths, interpretive trails and signs, playground, shelter, basketball and teen skate area.

(D) HANOVER PARK DISTRICT (DuPage Co.) $350,900, to redevelop the 30-acre Heritage Park, located on Arlington Drive in Hanover Park. The project includes the renovation of the basketball and tennis courts, playground improvements, erosion control measures around the lake, a fishing pier, lighting and a new pavilion.

(D) HEBRON TOWNSHIP (McHenry Co.) $246,100, to develop a new 10-acre community park east of the Village of Hebron, adjacent to the Hebron Trail. Park amenities will include
picnic shelters, baseball and soccer field, restroom facility and access to the trail.

(D) HOMER TOWNSHIP (Will Co.) $365,000, to develop the 50-acre Trantina Farm. The new park site will offer a nature interpretive center, picnic shelters, a farm theme playground, equestrian trails, and a dog exercise park.

(D) JOHNSON COUNTY (Johnson Co.) $338,900, to develop a sports complex near Vienna. The new complex will include an access road, soccer fields and a football field.

(D) JOLIET PARK DISTRICT (Will Co.) $200,000, to upgrade facilities at the Inwood Sports Complex. New additions to the park will include a skate park, regulation horseshoe pits, a bocce ball area, a 3,300-foot walking trail, replacement of a playground and a gazebo.

(D) KANE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT, $344,100, to develop the 1,000-acre Dick Young Preserve. Proposed site features include interpretive trails and signs, hiking and equestrian trails, a 1.5-mile extension of the regional bike path, interpretive and picnic shelters, 150 acres of prairie and wetland habitat restoration, access areas and parking.

(A) KENDALL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT, $750,000, to acquire 140 acres on the Fox River, west of Yorkville on Fox Road. The property contains nearly one mile of Fox River shoreline, wooded bluffs, ravines, wetlands, seeps and 150 native plant species - including state threatened plants and trees.

(A) LAKE VILLA TOWNSHIP (Lake Co.) $750,000, to acquire 39 acres of undeveloped woodland, wetland and open space adjacent to District 41 Olive C. Martin School. Future development will include hiking, biking, skiing trail, fishing, ice skating, picnicking, primitive camping site and multi-use play fields.

(D) LEMONT TOWNSHIP (Cook Co) $400,000, to develop 58 acres for passive recreation opportunities in Heritage Woodland Sanctuary Park. The project include enahcnemment of natural areas, walking trails, and a small playground.

(D) MADISON, CITY OF (Madison Co.) $120,000, to develop Chouteau Island. The first phase will involve constructing a parking and entrance area and a paved connection to the trailhead. Construction of the nature trails will involve wetland delineation, interpretive signs, benches and viewing areas.

(A) MAHOMET, VILLAGE OF (Champaign Co.) $83,000, to acquire 10.72-acres of park land located on Diane Lane. Future planned improvements include youth ball fields, field for youth soccer and flag football, tennis courts, full and half court basketball, horseshoe pits, pavilion and walking trail

(D) MARYVILLE, VILLAGE OF (Madison Co.) $99,100, to make improvements to the 60-acre Drost Park. Planned development will include an observation deck and fishing pier, a wildlife exhibit, a shelter/restroom facility and expansion of the parking area.

(A) MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT (McHenry Co.) $750,000, to acquire a 219-acre oak woodland area on O’Brien Road. The acquisition will add to a 390-acre existing area known as Bailey’s Woods west of Hebron. This project will preserve greenway along the upper reaches of the North Branch of the Nippersink Creek.

(D) MEMORIAL PARK DISTRICT (Cook Co.) $400,000, to redevelop Stevenson Park, located on Washington Boulevard in Bellwood. Proposed facilities will include a water playground, a children’s playground, senior citizens area, walking path, picnic shelter, gazebo with stone amphitheater, fishing pond and pier, and lighting for the basketball courts.

(D) METRO EAST PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT (St. Clair Co.) $400,000, to develop the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park on 31.4 acres of donated land. Proposed development will include picnic shelters, a terraced picnic area, multi-use trails, interpretive signs, natural habitat enhancement, observation deck, access drive and parking.

(D) MUNDELEIN PARK DISTRICT (Lake Co.) $400,000, to develop a 7-acre aquatic facility on Midlothian Road. Phase four of this multi-phased project will include a zero depth pool, bath house, concession area, and sun and shade areas.

(D) NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT (Will County), $400,000, to further develop the 80-acre Commissioners Park site on 111th and 248th Streets in southwestern Naperville. Phase II development includes four half-court basketball courts, a playground, fishing pier, skateboard/in-line skate facility, fitness stations for the multi-use trail, two lighted sand volleyball courts and a picnic shelter with restrooms.

(D) NEW CANTON, TOWN OF (Pike County), $51,100, to renovate a 3-acre park on Church Street. Facilities include a playground, half-court basketball, refurbished horseshoe pits, along with new walkways and a parking area.

(D) NEW LENOX COMMUNITY PARK DISTRICT (Will County), $400,000, to develop a 4.4-acre park. Amenities include two shelters, sand volleyball courts, playground area, interior walkways, an open play area, landscaping and parking.

(A) NORTH UTICA, VILLAGE OF (LaSalle County), $182,000, to acquire a 17.75-acre property on the Illinois River. Future development includes a boat access, fishing piers, a boardwalk with viewing platform, picnic areas, walking paths and parking.

(D) PEORIA PARK DISTRICT (Peoria County), $320,000, to develop a new 34-acre park site west of Koerner Road. Facilities include tennis courts, a playground, soccer and baseball fields, two shelters, a fishing pier, multi-use trail, a skate park, basketball court and parking area.

(D) PINCKNEYVILLE, CITY OF (Perry County), $38,200, to develop an accessible fishing pier, two pavilions and parking area at the 170-acre city lake.

(D) RANKIN, VILLAGE OF (Vermilion County), $50,300, to complete the development of a 0.6-acre site with playground equipment, a new pavilion, a pathway around the perimeter of the park, site lighting and parking lot improvements.

(A) ROBBINS, VILLAGE OF (Cook County), $187,900, to acquire 10.6 acres of open space off 137th Street for the future development of soccer and softball fields, multi-use trails and landscaping.

(A) ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT (Winnebago Co.), $612,000, to acquire the existing Roy Gayle Park. The complex includes 55 acres of open space with seven baseball/softball diamonds, a concession building and parking

(D) ROCKTON, VILLAGE OF (Winnebago County), $396,700, to renovate and add new facilities at a 10.2-acre park on Blackhawk Avenue and Hawick Street. The existing softball diamond, soccer/football field and recreation path will be improved. New facilities include a picnic shelter with restrooms and drinking fountain, basketball courts, a boating/fishing pier and landscaping. The project also includes the donation of a 5-acre parcel to expand the existing site.

(D) ROSELLE PARK DISTRICT (DuPage County), $258,500, to redevelop 15-acre Turner Park on Roselle and Devon. Phase one includes a new playground, splash pad, fishing pier, a basketball/volleyball court, additional pathways, landscaping and picnic shelter and parking lot improvements

(D) SAVOY, VILLAGE OF (Champaign County), $400,000, to develop a 50-acre community park. This first phase consists of the construction of entrances and an access road, two soccer/football fields, a multi-use trail around the site and parking area.

(D) SILVIS, CITY OF (Rock Island County), $81,800, to develop 10 acres. Planned amenities include playground equipment, a picnic shelter, restroom facilities, hiking/nature trails, prairie plantings, along with an access road and parking area.

(D) SOUTH ELGIN, VILLAGE OF (Kane County), $212,000, to initially develop a 10-acre park site on McDonald Road. The park will feature a multi-purpose lighted athletic field for soccer and football, a multi-purpose sport court for roller hockey, full court basketball and winter ice skating, a playground, picnic shelter, trails and a parking area.

(D) SPRING VALLEY, CITY OF (Bureau County), $150,800, to renovate19-acre Kirby Park on Devlin Street. Improvements will include a new soccer field, a summer/winter skating facility, fitness trail with six fitness stations, conversion of existing tennis courts into a tennis court and basketball courts, and parking and pathway improvements.

(D) ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT (Kane County), $391,300, to develop a 46-acre site off Kirk Road in eastern St. Charles. Amenities include nine soccer fields, a playground, fishing pond and pier, one mile of pathway with exercise stations, a picnic shelter and parking.

(A) ST. CLAIR COUNTY, $304,000, to acquire 91.66 acres to expand Foley Park, northeast of Smithton on Douglas Road. Future development includes a multi-use trail and parking.

(D) ST. JOSEPH, VILLAGE OF (Champaign County), $400,000, to develop a 40-acre community park near U.S. Route 150 and Sportsmen’s Club Road. The first phase includes a roller hockey/basketball court, three softball/baseball fields, a football/soccer field, playground, multi-use trails and a pavilion with concession stand and restrooms.

(A) SWANSEA, VILLAGE OF (St. Clair County), $157,100, to acquire 10.27 acres of open space located off Honeysuckle Lane. Future development includes shelters, tennis courts, sand volleyball, playground, walking trail, band shell, restrooms, parking and landscaping.

(D) SYCAMORE PARK DISTRICT (DeKalb County), $306,400, to develop a 13-acre park site which includes a 9-acre pond. Amenities include a fishing pier, picnic shelter, parking area, a multi-use trail around the site and a bike/pedestrian bridge over the Kishwaukee River for a path connection to the north.

(D) VENICE, CITY OF (Madison County), $148,900, to develop a 1-acre park site off the McKinley Bridge entrance with two picnic shelters, a drinking fountain, educational kiosk, lighting, landscaping and parking area.

(D) WARRENVILLE PARK DISTRICT (DuPage County), $302,000, to develop a 5.17-acre parcel adjacent to an existing park site off Talbot Street. Planned development at the site includes a new baseball/softball field, soccer/football field, picnic shelter, tennis courts, in-line skating area, playground, pathway improvements, interpretive signs and parking lot improvements. (Contact: Diane Dillow, 630/393-7279)

(D) WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT (Tazewell Co.), $400,000, to renovate Washington Park Pool. A new bathhouse will be constructed and improvements will be made to the existing pool. A new picnic shelter and playground will also be constructed

(D) WILL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT, $400,000, to develop the 620-acre Messenger Marsh Preserve in northeast Will Co. Amenities include a group picnic shelter, latrine, wildlife observation overlooks, primitive camping sites, an improved parking area and 1.5 miles of multi-use trails.

(A) WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT, $476,000, to acquire 252 acres at South Bluff Road and Rockton Road adjacent to the Village of Rockton. The site lies along the Rock River and future development includes wetland and prairie restoration, hiking trails, fishing areas and parking.

(D) WINNEBAGO PARK DISTRICT (Winnebago County), $325,200, to develop a 26-acre site off Church Street in Winnebago. Planned development includes baseball and softball fields, horseshoe and bocce ball, sand volleyball and a playground.

(D) WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT (Cook County), $250,000, to renovate a 17-acre site at Willow Road and Euclid Avenue. Improvements include the renovation of a picnic shelter into an interpretive center, a new picnic area, additional pathway with a boardwalk through the natural area, additional plantings and benches.

(D) YORKVILLE, CITY OF (Kendall County), $128,000, to develop a 3.3-acre neighborhood park site on Western Lane in northwest Yorkville. Project elements include a park shelter, playground area, three basketball half-courts, drinking fountain and landscaping.

###
 

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page