Grant for forest preserve improvement:

The Lake County Forest Preserve District recently received a $263,700 grant for a project at Spring Bluff Forest Preserve in Winthrop Harbor. The money will be used to increase recreation opportunities by converting an existing asphalt road into a gravel hiking rail, and by constructing a wildlife observation platform. The grant was part of $24 million allotted through the state's Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program for 75 local projects in 28 counties to help communities acquire land for parks and improve recreational opportunities. Also in Lake County, the Lake Bluff Park District received $400,000 to renovate the Blair Park aquatic facility.