State grants funding big improvements in seven Lake County communities
New, improved and expanded park facilities are on the 2025 calendar in seven Lake County communities with the assistance of state matching grants.
State officials this week announced the award of $55.2 million in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants to 100 local park projects throughout Illinois.
The grants program, established in 1986, helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. In the latest round, six Lake County entities each will receive $600,000 and the Lake Bluff Park District will get $293,300, for a total of nearly $3.9 million.
Village of Fox Lake
Fox Lake will use its $600,000 to help design and build an ADA-compliant pier and boardwalk, allowing access to the recently completed Lakefront Park from the Chain O' Lakes, according to Village Administrator Jessica Chernich.
The work is the second phase of a $12.5 million revamp of the village park on Nippersink Lake, unveiled last summer with new amenities as a refreshed community hub and catalyst for investment in Fox Lake's downtown.
Village of Antioch
The funds will be used to renovate and revitalize Centennial Park east of Anita Avenue, designed and built in 1992 with the help of families and children.
State funds will be used for a new shelter, updates to the tennis courts, trails, signage and landscaping, and improving accessibility. The project is not expected to begin until 2026.
“Centennial Park is a cornerstone of our community and this funding represents a meaningful step in our ongoing efforts to invest in Antioch's infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Scott Gartner.
City of Waukegan
Funding will assist in the transformation of Roosevelt Park, 520 S. McAlister Ave., with a multiuse, multiage, inclusive playground, an innovative basketball play court, and improvements to surfaces, with the focus on increasing access to play for individuals of all abilities.
New accessible amenities just outside the recreation center will impact the lives of many especially families seeking accessible outdoor recreation opportunities, district officials said.
Mundelein Park & Recreation
Updates are planned for the 108-acre Keith Mione Community Park, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, the center of many of the park district's activities.
Improvements include a permanent asphalt pad for wheelchair football, with overlays for full-court basketball. In winter, the area will be an ice rink and allow access for those with mobility restrictions.
Also planned are a creative play area with new equipment unique to this site; designated chalk art area; a 12-foot by 20-foot shelter; numerous shade trees; and woodland restoration. Multiuse trail connections and paths to the Dolan Recreation Center will be added. Construction is planned for 2026.
Vernon Hills Park District
The grant will support “significant enhancements” at Grosse Pointe Park, 900 Grosse Pointe Blvd., officials say.
They include comprehensive renovations to the ball fields, a new picnic shelter for large gatherings, a basketball court and a ninja course. Restroom upgrades, parking lot enhancements, retaining wall reconstruction and walking path improvements with integrated fitness stations are other planned elements.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025.
Wauconda Park District
Grant dollars will be used to redevelop the Bangs Lake Marina property at 321 E. Liberty St. (Route 176) and increase access to the lake for active and passive users.
The project will include an ADA accessible kayak/canoe launch, restrooms, boardwalk, native shoreline plantings, interpretive signage, a fishing station, patio with table and umbrellas, picnic and game tables, an overlook and a connecting path to the downtown business area
The overall project is estimated to cost $1.2 million and the state grant will allow the district to accelerate the development process, said Executive Director Tim Staton. Redevelopment plans and a timeline will be finalized in coming months.