Grant to help fund upgrades for Greene Valley Forest Preserve near Naperville

Naperville natives know the big red barn at the corner of Hobson and Greene roads as a historic but empty landmark.

Though the interior of the L-shaped structure is not accessible to the public, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County intends to make the area around the barn more of a gathering space as part of a larger plan to add recreational amenities to the Greene Valley Forest Preserve.

The agency recently was awarded a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state to help pay for improvements at Greene Valley.

Specifically, the OSLAD grant will help fund several projects spelled out in a Greene Valley master plan adopted last year. Planned upgrades include relocating the entrance drive, enhancing picnic shelters, installing flush restrooms to replace latrines, realigning trails and adding a canoe and kayak launch for access to the East Branch of the DuPage River.

A new patio near the Greene Barn will provide “an enhanced visitor experience at the historic site,” the district said in a grant announcement.

“We sincerely thank the IDNR for their commitment to enhancing open spaces across Illinois and for supporting projects here in DuPage County, where access to nature is deeply valued by our residents,” Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard said in a statement. “We look forward to breaking ground on the grant-funded improvements at Greene Valley in 2026.”

The master plan, prepared by Stantec Consulting, recommends installing the outdoor patio with seating and ornamental plantings.

“While the barn interior is not currently suitable for public access, its exterior can serve as an attractive backdrop for gatherings and events,” the district’s consultants wrote.

The agency also secured an additional $100,000 in grant funding for Greene Valley earlier this year through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.