Round Lake Area Park District begins Sports Center Park project
Work has begun on a Round Lake Area Park District project to provide new recreational facilities outside the Sports Center, 2004 Municipal Way, Round Lake Beach.
Sports Center Park improvements will include a new, accessible splash pad, sand volleyball court, pickle ball/tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and a relocated full- size soccer field with natural grass surface.
The project is expected to be completed in October 2021.
The park district was notified in late 2020 by the Office of Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that the district would receive a $400,000 matching grant for the renovation of Sports Center Park.
These funds are part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant Program, which provides matching dollars for outdoor recreation space projects throughout Illinois. The park district will be matching that amount, as required by grant guidelines, with funds from the capital development budget.
"OSLAD grants and all state grants allow the park district to stretch tax dollars to improve our parks and our community and accomplish so much more than we otherwise could," park district Executive Director Bob Newport said upon receiving notification of the grant award.
"Grant monies from the state of Illinois have made a significant impact on the quality of life in our community. We are grateful for the recreation opportunities they afford the residents of Round Lake."
Input for park improvements was gathered through a community input process in 2019-2020. A park site plan is required for an OSLAD grant application. Park renovation began in June 2021.
"Investments in local park projects are good for families and recreation enthusiasts, helping them enjoy outdoor activities and making Illinois communities better places to live and work," Gov. Pritzker said in announcing the grant awards.
"Parks projects also boost local economic development efforts and spur additional investment throughout the state."
• To submit Your news, go to dailyherald.com/share.