Mundelein Park & Recreation District awarded grant for improvements
Mundelein Park & Recreation District received confirmation of a matching grant award of $600,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program to be used to update Keith Mione Community Park. The District was one of 100 local park projects in the state to help communities acquire land and create recreational opportunities.
“Since I became governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by awarding over $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces, and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”
Keith Mione Community Park is 107.58 acres and is at 1401 N. Midlothian Road. It is the center of many of the Mundelein Park District’s activities. Improvements at the park include a permanent pad that will provide space in the warmer months for wheelchair football, a new element for the park district. The asphalt pad also includes full-court basketball overlays. In the winter, the pad will serve as space for the district’s ice rink. The permanent pad will promote a longer life span for the district’s ice rink equipment and allow access for community members with mobility restrictions. A creative play area will feature new and exciting play equipment that is unique to this site and unavailable at the other parks within the district. Adjacent to the play area will be a designated chalk art area with chalkboard frames, a 12-foot-by-20-foot shelter, picnic tables and numerous new native shade trees, providing an enjoyable space for play. The project also includes woodland restoration, which involves the tedious removal of buckthorn and other invasive plant material. New multiuse trail connections and paths will be added to provide access to all elements and existing facilities, parking and recreation areas within the park.
Mundelein Park & Recreation District has partnered with Landscape Architects JSD Professional Services Inc. to guide the project from the initial planning to completion. Project construction will begin in 2026.
“Mundelein Park & Recreation District thanks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois General Assembly, and IDNR for allocating funds for the park and recreation industry and awarding our District an OSLAD Grant. These funds provide an opportunity to make a significant difference in our community. Also, we sincerely thank our legislators, schools, village, SRACLC, and residents for their support,” Mundelein Park & Recreation District’s Executive Director Ron Salski said. “Parks and Recreation add to the quality of life for all communities. Keith Mione Community Park’s new amenities will benefit Mundelein by allowing us to provide expanded recreational opportunities and space for camps, programs and public use. The new multiuse trails would allow community members to travel safely between the Dolan Recreation Center and the new amenities. This grant represents a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for our residents.”
Established in 1954, Mundelein Park & Recreation District has 29 park sites, nine natural/wetland areas and 26 playgrounds. It includes over 735 acres of open space, playgrounds, ball fields, lakes and trails. It offers over 650 seasonal programs, including dance, youth sports, tennis, karate, golf, adult and youth leagues, swim lessons, art, fitness and wellness, culinary, adult day trips, science classes and day camps. In addition, it hosts over 20 annual events, many free to the public.