State awards $400,000 for Lake Arlington improvements

The Arlington Heights Park District has received a $400,000 state grant to add new upgrades like a pier, picnic shelter and sensory garden at Lake Arlington, officials announced over the weekend.

The money awarded was the highest amount possible through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program. The program provides state funding to assist to eligible local governments acquire, develop and/or rehabilitate lands for public outdoor recreation.

"This grant for Lake Arlington will help us create new learning and recreational opportunities for residents and enhance park safety," park district Commissioner Rob Nesvacil said in a news release. "I voted to pursue the grant last June and am looking forward to seeing the park improvements take shape in coming months."

The funding also will go toward new exercise stations and improving the existing park surrounding the 50-acre, man-made lake.