Park District Awarded $467,081 Grant for Butterfly Park

The Streamwood Park District announced on Wednesday, March 1 it has been awarded $467,081 in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant funding from the State of Illinois for the renovation of Butterfly Park.

The renovations are expected to include playground replacement, new park shelter and walking path, ADA accessible benches and a butterfly/pollinator garden, among other amenities.

"We are grateful to the state of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for this much needed funding that will enable us to revitalize this valuable neighborhood park in Streamwood," said Jeff Janda. "Thanks also to the many residents for their input and support throughout the grant application process."

Formal adoption and approval of the OSLAD grant contract by the Streamwood Park District Board of Commissioners is required before funds can be disbursed by the state and work can begin.

Janda said the project must be completed within two years of receiving the first installment of state funding.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments which is designed to help communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

Governor JB Pritzker, along with state and local leaders and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), announced the nearly $60 million in state grants that would be awarded for 118 local park projects around the state at a press conference in Springfield on Wednesday.

Butterfly Park sits on 2.95 acres of land and is located at 1010 Woodland Heights Boulevard. The park offers a large playground, lawn space for free play, and a walking path.

Butterfly Park is named in memory of former resident Donnette Wright and her love for butterflies.

An artist rendering of the new park along with a project summary will be posted on the Streamwood Park District's website at www.streamwoodparks.org.