Funding an issue for Paulus Park improvements
Lake Zurich officials say they might need to find other funding sources if the village can't obtain a state grant to help pay a projected $487,700 cost for Paulus Park improvements.
Among the amenities under consideration for Paulus Park are an amphitheater, a canoe and kayak launch, a dog area and a new fishing pier. The popular park is off Rand Road, north of Route 22.
But where the money would come from to pay for the work is not immediately known. Steve Konters, a Hitchcock Design Group consultant helping the village on the project, said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is not immediately accepting grant applications.
Konters said if grant money were to become available, Lake Zurich would seek to have half the project cost reimbursed by the state.
Lake Zurich Mayor Thomas Poynton and Trustee Jonathan Sprawka were among the officials who supported the idea of seeking sources other than state funding to help pay for the proposed upgrades. Sprawka said it would be worth seeking financial support from the local business community, particularly for the amphitheater.
"I could easily see that (amphitheater) as a viable opportunity for a local business to have their name on that, and the sort of events that would occur within Paulus Park, for example," Sprawka said.
Konters said the open-air band shell and stage for the amphitheater would cost about $141,000. The dog park would run about $71,600.
Poynton questioned why the village would want to spend $2,000 for a proposed bags court. He said bags typically is a backyard game.
"I've got a set of those in my garage that I made for 50 bucks," Poynton said.
Lake Zurich is paying $7,500 to Hitchcock Design Group for an updated Paulus Park master plan and other tasks.
Talk of an amphitheater and band shell at Paulus Park dates at least to 2003, when residents spoke at a public forum on ways to improve parks and recreation facilities.
Other possible Paulus Park upgrades include better picnic area seating, an expanded swimming beach, a redone main entrance off Rand Road and new directional signs.