Improvements on tap for Mt. Prospect Park District park in Des Plaines

A neighborhood park in the Des Plaines portion of the Mount Prospect Park District stands to get a facelift later this year courtesy of a state grant.

The state recently awarded the park district an Open Space Land Acquisition & Development grant totaling roughly $376,000. That money will help pay for a series of improvements to Einstein Park, which is located south of Walnut Avenue between Marshall Drive and Clark Lane in Des Plaines.

"We're happy to have the opportunity to make some nice improvements over there," Park District Executive Director Greg Kuhs said.

Among the improvements proposed for the site are a rebuilt storm sewer, a renovated and relocated ball field, new walking paths throughout, two half-court basketball courts and an Einstein-themed playground.

Kuhs said the park board of commissioners will soon finalize a renovation plan for the park. When the plan is in place, the district will seek bids for the project.

"I'm hopeful that we'll finish the improvements in 2015," Kuhs said.

Making improvements to Einstein had been discussed for some time. But as is often the case with smaller, neighborhood sites, it's been hard to set aside money for such a project.

The grant received by the Mount Prospect Park District was part of $27 million awarded to park districts and other recreation agencies in the state.