Mundelein parks, Morton Arboretum receive $200,000 tourism grants

Efforts to revitalize Mundelein’s Diamond Lake Beach and upgrade the Morton Arboretum’s popular “Illumination” holiday display received a significant boost Tuesday in the form of $200,000 grants each from the state.

They are among 66 grants totaling nearly $5 million awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to organizations, events and programs that grow tourism in Illinois.

“Our tourism industry supports jobs and local economies, and Illinois is a top destination for visitors across the globe,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in an announcement of the funding Tuesday. “These investments will allow communities across Illinois to expand their events and festivals, promote one-of-a-kind destinations, and draw visitors from near and far to our great state.”

The $200,000 awarded to the Mundelein Park and Recreation District will help fund its work to renew the 100-acre Diamond Lake Recreation Center, Beach, and Boat Launch.

Among the potential upgrades and additions are outdoor classrooms, an amphitheater, picnic area, additional water access, a splash pad, food and beverage options and rentable indoor facilities.

While the beach and boat launch draws visitors over the summer months, park district officials also hope to find ways to make the site a year-round destination.

Morton, in Lisle, will receive a $200,000 grant to cover costs associated with upgrades and improvements to its annual “Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum” holiday display. The arboretum will get an additional $69,979 to market “Illumination” and its “Vivid Creatures” event.

Other suburban grant recipients include:

· Kane County will receive $100,000 to cover the costs of marketing tourism opportunities to visitors from between 50 and 250 miles away.

· The Downtown Wheaton Association will receive $30,000 to expand its marketing efforts to attract visitors from within 50 miles of Wheaton.

· The Aurora Metropolitan Exposition, Auditorium, and Office Building Authority will receive $33,875 to redesign its website.