Suburban parks among beneficiaries of state grants totaling $36 million
More than 30 suburban parks are among the recipients of new state grants totaling $36 million, officials have announced.
Sites in Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Elgin, Huntley, Mount Prospect, and Naperville are just a few of the intended beneficiaries of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources grants, which were awarded through its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.
Statewide, 67 park projects were selected for grants.
Communities of up to 2 million residents can receive $1.125 million in OSLAD grants annually for land purchases and up to $600,000 for construction projects. Larger communities can receive up to $3.45 million in grants.
Gov. JB Pritzker touted the program in a news release.
“I’m committed to building stronger, healthier communities in Illinois,” Pritzker said. “From playgrounds and walking trails to pickleball courts and native landscaping, we’re investing millions to revitalize outdoor gathering spaces, strengthen local communities and offer new recreational opportunities to Illinois families across the state.”
As part of the newly announced grants, the Nike Sports Complex in Naperville will get $600,000 for future improvements. The Naperville Park District’s concept plans include a new shade shelter near the existing cricket pitch, a new asphalt trail, a playground renovation and water play features.
A $600,000 grant was approved for Algonquin’s Willoughby Farms Park, too. Proposed amenities will include four pickleball courts; a nature-themed play area and zip line; a plaza with interactive water features; fishing stations; and boardwalk access to a pond.
Elsewhere, the Prospect Heights Park District is getting $600,000 to help redevelop Country Gardens Park. It includes basketball courts, a playground, space for soccer and other amenities now.
Planned improvements Pingree Grove’s skate park netted a $600,000 grant, too.
The open space program is a cost-sharing effort between the state and local governmental agencies that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and other outdoor recreational projects. Since it was launched in 1986, its yielded grants totaling $675 million, according to the news release.
“The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is thrilled to play a small part in helping communities thrive,” IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said in the release.
Here are some of the projects in the North, West and Northwest suburbs receiving grants from the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program:
Cook County
Flentie Park, Arlington Heights Park District: $600,000
Tallgrass Park, Bartlett Park District: $292,800
Channing Park, Elgin: $600,000
Ranger Park, Hanover Park Park District: $600,000
Unspecified project, Mount Prospect Park District: $600,000
Country Gardens Park, Prospect Heights Park District: $600,000
90 North Park, Schaumburg: $600,000
South Barrington Conservancy, South Barrington: $600,000
DuPage County
Village Green Park, Glen Ellyn Park District: $600,000
Nike Sports Complex, Naperville Park District: $600,000
Kane County
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve wildlife overlook, Forest Preserve of Kane County: $600,000
Skate park, Pingree Grove: $600,000
Lake County
Lake Carina Forest Preserve, Lake County Forest Preserve District: $600,000
McHenry County
Willoughby Farms Park, Algonquin: $600,000
Project Horizon, Huntley Park District: $600,000
Source: IDNR