DuPage Park Districts receive $7.1 Million to Improve Facilities

Governor Pat Quinn visited the Addison Park District on Saturday, October 4 to publicly announce $7.1 Million awarded to several municipal Park Districts located in DuPage County. The grant money provided through the Park & Recreation Facility Construction (PARC) program is awarded to park districts located in Addison, Bartlett, Hanover Park and Roselle.

Addison Park District will receive $1.8 million as part of a matching grant to renovate Community Recreation Center. This facility located on the east side of Addison is the Park District's administration office, one of the preschool centers, home to the Active Adults senior club and several other programs and special events. Concept plans are in place for the $3.5 Million renovation which includes upgrading the multi-purpose rooms, providing ADA-compliant access for patrons with limited mobility, and replacing inefficient HVAC and lighting throughout the building.

"DuPage County communities are great places to live and work, and these park projects will provide the additional recreational opportunities they need to keep attracting new residents and businesses," Governor Quinn said. "These parks play a key role in helping promote healthy lifestyles through recreation and it's important that we maintain them."

The grants awarded Saturday are part of $50 million available through the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and funded by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! Construction program. PARC provides funding to eligible local governments for park and recreation construction projects. Eligible projects include land acquisition, development, architectural planning, construction, rehabilitation and improvements.

"These grants are vitally important for communities seeking to build capacity for recreational opportunity," IDNR Director Marc Miller said. "These projects, upgrades and additions will help (these) four park districts keep up with the ever-growing demand for recreation close to where people live and work."

Addison Park District is committed to providing the highest quality recreational opportunities and open space for everyone. The 2014 seasonal Fun Guide is available in print and online at www.addisonparks.org with a full curriculum of leisure activities for all ages and lifestyles.