SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon is pleased to announce that funding has been approved for local park projects in the 39th District.
“I am thrilled that we are able to partner with local communities to support these important projects,” Harmon said. “Our parks provide wonderful gathering places for outdoor recreation to improve public health and welfare, and enhance the well-being of the entire community. It is a pleasure to support these improvements.”
The project funding is provided through the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program (OSLAD), administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Grantees are required to contribute to total project costs, and in total the state will fund $16.5 million for 46 local park projects across Illinois.
Projects funded include:
• $328,800 to Veterans Park District for the renovation of Bulger Park on 17th Avenue and Hirsch Street in Melrose Park. The project includes improvements to the loop walking path, a new toddler playground, fitness stations, solar powered lighting and a new parking lot.
• $97,700.00 to the Village of River Grove to acquire a lot on Budd Street in north River Grove for the development of a parent/tot play area.
In addition, $400,000 in state funding has been approved for the Addison Park District improvements at Community Park.
“I am thrilled that we are able to partner with the Addison Park District to support this important project. Our parks provide wonderful gathering places for outdoor recreation to improve public health and welfare, and enhance the well-being of the entire community. It is a pleasure to support these improvements.”
Specifically, the Addison project includes a junior-size grid field, a skate park area, pickle ball court and a multi-purpose shelter. Funds will also be used to upgrade two ball fields, construct additional pathways for a trail that connects to the Salt Creek bike trail, as well as wetland enhancements and renovations to a parking lot.
“We are excited about this news…it actually came on the 45th Anniversary of the formation of the Addison Park District on Saturday, April 5, 2014,” stated Mark McKinnon, Executive Director of the Addison Park District. “We are happy to have this funding from the state so that our multi-tiered project can be complete for our residents”.
The project funding is provided through the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program (OSLAD), administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Grantees are required to contribute to total project costs, and in total the state will fund $16.5 million for 46 local park projects across Illinois.
Click here to read about the upgrade of Maple Park in Oak Park.
