State Announces Open Space Land Acquisition and Developmnet Grant Awards

[Jeff Janda]

The Governor anoounced the awarding of the competitive grants yesterday in Springfield.  Grant awards up to $750,000 are available for acquisition projects, while development/renovation projects are limited to a $400,000 grant maximum.  These are matching grants and are currently paid out through reimbursement.  There is legislation pending that would change the pay out structure and if passed would allow an up front award of 50% of the grant award.

The City of Berwyn Recreation Department, Berwyn Park District, and North Berwyn Park District have previously each received a grant from this highly competitive program. The City was for Baseball Alley, North Berwyn for the development of Berwyn Gardens, and the Berwyn Park District for the previous expansion of Sunshine Park. 

I was impressed that Governor Quinn has reopened the state parks closed by the former Governor and has pledged to work with local park districts to provide excellent recreation opportunities.  I have attached a copy of the press release listing this years awardees.



On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn keynoted the Illinois Association of Park Districts' Legislative Conference encouraging support for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' budget. He announced the OSLAD grants for FY 2009 to an enthusiastic audience and reiterated his support for parks, recreation and conservation in the state of Illinois.



The Illinois Association of Park Districts is grateful for the governor's strong commitment to natural resources and the environment.  Those agencies receiving OSLAD grants are as follows:





FY 09 OSLAD PROJECTS in Alphabetical order

(A)  Land Acquisition projects
(D)  Park Development projects

(D) ALSIP PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $400,000.00, to improve Sears Park with new parking lots, new climbing playground, a multi-use lighted path with fitness stations, multi-use playfield, pavilion with overlook and reconstruction of pond edge incorporating prairie plantings.


(D) BARTLETT PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $400,000.00, Beaver Pond is an existing 20.95 acre Neighborhood Park with a 9.0 acre pond.  Planned improvements include two fishing stations, an accessible fishing pier with overhead shade canopy, sitting areas, a picnic shelter, horseshoe pits, walking path/bikeway (.85 miles), three nature stations with interpretive signage, shoreline stabilization with native plantings and a wetland buffer zone. A fish structure will also be added to the pond for aquatic life. 

(D) BLOOMINGTON, CITY OF (McLean County) $400,000.00, to develop 12.717 acre Eagleview South Park with a shelter, extension of city wide multi use trail, a playground, ball fields, circular basketball court, soccer field, woodland and prairie meadow. 

(D) BOLINGBROOK PARK DISTRICT (Will County) $389,000.00, to enhance and improve 47 acres of woodland and meadow by constructing hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a natural amphitheatre, council ring and reading deck for interpretive programming; installation of interpretive signs, a picnic shelter, compost toilet and a permeable parking. 

(D) BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICT (Kane County) $30,000.00, to redevelop the 6.16 acre township park in Burlington.  New play equipment suitable for ages 5-12 and 2-5 will be installed and the existing asphalt surface on the tennis and basketball courts will be repaired.


(D) CARY PARK DISTRICT (McHenry County) $391,000.00, to complete an eco-friendly phase I development of the north 42 acres of Hoffman Park to include a picnic shelter, large dog park area w/ demonstration "worm farm" to digest waste, accessible fishing structures on the park's 4.5 ac pond,  nature observation shelter & deck overlooking the pond & wetlands,  accessible organic garden demo plots, creation of an open meadow & native prairie habitat and wildlife seed plots, entry road & parking lot w/ bio-swale technology & solar lights, interior interpretive paths and 4000 LF of connector bike trail, two windmills to generate energy for pond aeration & park use and support facilities including restrooms.

(D) CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $416,000.00, to develop a 0.46 site at Albany/Whipple and transform it into an engaging, safe and accessible park. Located in the Logan Square community of Chicago, the city's most park under-served community, the development will include a new playground with rubber soft surfacing, a spray pool, and site amenities.


(D) CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $729,300.00, development elements of the park design for this 1.77 acre site will include demolition of existing paved court, rehab of existing comfort station, development of a new playground with soft surfacing, a spray pool, a soccer field, creation of a senior area and a walking / running path, and enhancements and improvements to the park amenities.

(D) CHILI TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICT (Hancock County) $192,300.00, to rehabilitate the Bowen public swimming pool built in 1974 and presently closed by the Dept. of Public Health.


(A) COOK COUNTY, FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF (Cook County) $1,150,000.00, to acquire  approximately 77 acres adjacent to the Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve. Future development includes a parking area, interpretive trail and prairie and wetland restoration.


(D) CRAWFORD COUNTY (Crawford County) $191,400.00, Crawford County is receiving a land donation of 109.76 acres for the development of a new park to be called Schmidt Park.  Proposed development of the 109.76 acres includes a parking area, picnic shelter, walking path, fishing dock, and restrooms.  Possible future projects include a campground and a bike path.


(A) DEKALB COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (DeKalb County) $290,500.00, to acquire 40 acres northwest of Somonauk. This site has been restored to high quality native prairie and wetland habitat and will be developed with interpretive trails and a picnic shelter.


(D) ELGIN, CITY OF (Kane County) $199,000.00, to develop horse shoe pits, an accessible playground, soccer play area with goal, three half-court basketball courts, picnic shelter, and an 8' pervious trail which will ultimately connect residents to the regional trail system and Bluff Springs Fen. The park will also incorporate learning/interpretive elements such as a nature information kiosk and "fossil tracks". 

(D) FOX VALLEY PARK DISTRICT  (Kane County) $400,000.00, to redevelop the 40 year old Simmons Community Park. The project includes a first time multi-age playground, picnic shelter, interior pathway system/exercise trail, restrooms, permeable parking lot, and a rain garden/bioswale. Redevelopment includes 2 soccer fields and 2 ball fields.

(D) FRANKFORT SQUARE PARK DISTRICT (Will County) $400,000.00, to complete initial development of a new neighborhood park site at 191 St & Brookside Glenn Dr with an inter-generation recreation area w/ a shelter, lawn-table games and age appropriate exercise equipment, a looped interpretive nature trail, site restoration including wetland improvements and prairie plantings, community garden plots and general site landscaping. 

(D) FRANKLIN PARK, PARK DISTRICT OF (Cook County) $400,000.00, to completely redevelop the pool shell, mechanical system and play features resulting in a zero depth pool that is both energy efficient and of a high quality experience. 

(A) HOMER GLEN, VILLAGE OF (Will County) $100,600.00, to purchase a 0.46 acre lot in Erin Hills Subdivision.  Future plans include a picnic shelter, playground, bike racks and regional trailhead link.  When combined with the donated land, this purchase will provide approximately one acre of buildable property within 15.16 acres of Village open space. 

(A) KANE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (Kane County) $750,000.00, to acquire 146 acres which includes a portion of one of the largest fen/wetland complexes in Kane County. The site will be developed with nature trails, picnic areas and fishing access. 


(D) KANE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (Kane County) $400,000.00, to develop Bowes Creek Woods Forest Preserve with interpretive trails, shelters, picnic areas and habitat restoration. 

(D) KENDALL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (Kendall County) $400,000.00, initial development of 396 acre Hoover Preserve on the Fox River with family and group campgrounds, accessible paths, an outdoor classroom, interpretive trails, habitat restoration and riverside fishing.  An eco-friendly permeable parking lot with a rain garden for high use area filtration will also be constructed. 

(D) LAN-OAK PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $68,700.00),  this project will develop a brand new 1.6 acre park in a heavily populated area. Project includes playground, walking path, picnic shelter, landscaping and other amenities.

(D) LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT (Lake County) $400,000.00,  to develop approximately 4 miles of trail, four picnic shelters, restrooms, playground, parking lot, car-top boat access with parking and one fishing pier. 

(D) LAKE VILLA TOWNSHIP (Lake County) $375,900.00,  this project will add 3 soccer fields, a concession and an accessible restroom building, picnic shelter and parking. An interpretive nature trail with exercise stations will be open year round and offer hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 

(D) LINCOLNWOOD, VILLAGE OF (Cook County) $363,300.00, to develop an outdoor amphitheater, a disc golf course, fishing areas, a bike and pedestrian park entrance and a  parking area using permeable pavers. 

(D) LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICT (Will County) $400,000.00, to develop 2 softball fields, trails, picnic shelter, parking, interpretive signs, swings, independent play pieces, and a 2-5 age play structure. These amenities will be surrounded by a restored prairie landscape that will enhance the habitat of the Hines Emerald Dragonfly.   

(D) LOVES PARK, CITY OF (Winnebago County) $400,000.00, to develop 6.49 acres of donated land for expansion of an adjacent park site to serve the citizens of the City of Loves Park.


(D) MACON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Macon County) $187,000.00, to enhance the existing glacial kame's natural features with native plantings and develop an observation deck at the top of the kame, add a new hiking trail and re-align existing trails,  install new playground equipment and interpretive exhibits and  renovate the parking lot to include a bioswale.


(D) MANTENO & MANTENO TOWNSHIP, VILLAGE OF (Kankakee County)$400,000.00, to develop 10 acres under Phase 1of a 67.7 acre park with a softball field, soccer field, amphitheatre, playground, loop trail, picnic shelter, interpretive signage and new parking lot.


(A) MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT (McHenry County) $750,000.00, to acquire approximately 98 acres in the Kishwaukee River Valley as an addition to the 1,800-acre Pleasant Valley Conservation Area. 

(D) MOMENCE PARK DISTRICT (Kankakee County) $32,800.00, to develop a 4'x 4000' paved  interpretive trail with interpretive signage and bury utility lines at Island Park.


(D) MORTON PARK DISTRICT  (Tazewell County) $400,000.00, to construct a new outdoor aquatic center to replace a 45 year old outdoor pool at the same location. Construction is scheduled for 2009.

(D) MT. ZION, VILLAGE OF (Macon County) $400,000.00, to develop the village's first community park.  Development will include a playground, pavilions, amphitheater and walking trails.  Native grass lands and wetland areas will be introduced.  An original one room school house - Sulphur Springs School - will be relocated and restored on site as a learning resource center.


(D) NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT (DuPage County) $400,000.00, to enhance the existing 30 acre Seager Park with a large wooded area and an open turf area.   Redevelopment includes renovating the basketball and volleyball courts, improving the parking, driveway, and walkways, and adding a baseball backstop, an indoor/outdoor interpretive center with restrooms, a wildflower demonstration area, and a council ring.

(D) NEW BADEN, VILLAGE OF (Clinton County) $400,000.00, to develop a skateboard park, picnic gazebo and add playground equipment, add fitness equipment stations to the walking trail, construct a splash pad, water slide and rock climbing wall for the municipal swimming pool and refurbish the pool filtration system. 

(D) NEWTON, CITY OF (Jasper County) $400,000.00, to replace the existing pool with a new aquatic center. 

(A) NORTHBROOK PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $339,500.00, to purchase a much needed  0.77 acre parcel for the development of a neighborhood park located at 3105 Floral Drive. Future development will include a playground, path system, a sensory garden, and a basketball court.


(D) OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $160,300.00, to develop an asphalt walking path to complete a circuit around the park, a new picnic shelter, sand volleyball court, drinking fountain, spray features, sand play and a net spinner.  The tennis courts will be color coated, fenced and lighted and landscaping will be upgraded. 

(D) OGLESBY, CITY OF (LaSalle County) $260,200.00, the city  will receive two parcels equaling approximately 6.71 acres which will be known as McPhedren Park.  The donated land will be used to match the development costs for a pond, open field area, and parking lot.   


(D) OLYMPIA FIELDS PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $400,000.00, to develop Tolentine Park with a new entry drive and parking, open play area, family fun area, walking path/bikeway with 4 fitness stations, playground area,  basketball courts, picnic shelter, water playground, community garden area and native prairie restoration.

(A) OSWEGOLAND PARK DISTRICT (Kendall County) $152,500.00, to acquire a .372 acre parcel adjacent to the Fox River north of Hudson Crossing Park.  Future development includes an accessible fishing pier, landscaping and the installation of benches and picnic tables.


(D) PALOS HEIGHTS, CITY OF (Cook County) $400,000.00, to renovate the existing Community Park pool.  This pool provides open water recreation, diving and a lap swimming area, as well as a separate wading pool and bathhouse. 

(D) PARK FOREST, VILLAGE OF (Cook County) $400,000.00, to renovate the bathhouse at the Park Forest Aqua Center by reducing the size of the shower change area, adding an environmental classroom, moving concessions into the bathhouse space and several other "green" construction technologies. 

(D) PEORIA PARK DISTRICT (Peoria County) $212,500.00, to redevelop Proctor Center Park with an accessible playground, splashpad-waterplay area (first in area) and basketball courts.


(D) PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICT (Will County) $250,000.00, to redevelop Village Green on Ottawa Street.  The project will renovate the existing restrooms, replace a concrete pad with a rain garden, upgrade lighting and install new site furnishings, renovate half of the existing basketball court to expand the play area with a spray ground, construct a new half basketball court, replace fencing and surfacing at the tennis courts, renovate the existing path and improve the park entries.

(D) PRAIRIE GROVE, VILLAGE OF (McHenry County) $229,300.00, to develop a multi-use path, outdoor shelter, backstop, multi-purpose field, playground, restroom, parking lot and landscaping at the Village Hall Park site.

(D) ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT (Winnebago County) $400,000.00, Phase 1 development of 28 acres of 84 available acres at Olson Park.  Construction includes a Swedish design shelter, a playground, a 4 acre dog park, interior roadways, a recreation path, a pond, drinking fountain, a  restroom building, grading and seeding, native plantings, a donor memorial area with benches and landscaping. 

(A) ROUND LAKE AREA PARK DISTRICT (Lake County) $215,500.00, to acquire a six acre parcel adjacent to the existing Sports Center complex.  Once acquired, development will include two soccer fields and 1-2 softball fields. 

(D) SALEM, CITY OF (Marion County) $400,000.00, to develop Bryan Memorial Park with a new outdoor multi-purpose swimming pool, an open air bath house, a multi-use ticket/office/concession structure with rest rooms, two parking lots and a network of walkways.


(D) SPRING GROVE, VILLAGE OF (McHenry County) $337,500.00, to renovate the historical and former IDNR Fish Hatchery property, turning it into an educational / tourist destination by restoring the building as an educational center and the grounds to their original beauty for conservation education.

(D) SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT (Sangamon County) $400,000.00, to develop. a small tot lot, picnic shelter, looped recreation and connector paths, fitness stations, and environmental education display areas with wetlands,  prairie, savanna and native tree plantings in a 20 acre undeveloped area of Centennial Park.

(D) ST. CHARLES PARK DISTRICT (Kane County) $400,000.00, to develop River Bend Community Park with multi purpose game fields, ball fields, pathways, a shelter, washrooms, dog park, skate park, basketball courts, picnic area, playground, fishing pier, and a bio-swale in the parking lot. of River Bend Park.

(A) ST. CLAIR COUNTY (St. Clair County) $750,000.00, to acquire approximately 63 acres of the  146 acre Engelmann Farm near Shiloh.  Initial development will consist of converting the existing agricultural fields to native grasslands coupled with tree plantings to create a higher quality habitat. Subsequent development will be of a passive recreational nature. 

(D) TAMMS, VILLAGE OF (Alexander County) $137,700.00), to develop new playground equipment, walking path, picnic shelter, landscaping and other site amenities.

(D) VERMILION COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Vermilion County) $400,000.00, to construct a 32,000 square foot Environmental Education Center on a five acre site with in Kennekuk County Park near Danville, Illinois. The building will serve as headquarters for the nationally recognized Middle Fork National Scenic River and will be a model for green technology.  The building will utilize geo-thermal heating and cooling, solar energy, rain gardens, and a permeable paving system for parking facilities to accommodate present and future environmental education programs.  The roof will contain a demonstration prairie with elevator access. 


(A) WATERLOO PARK DISTRICT (Monroe County) $249,900.00, to acquire 10.9 acres of open space in a residential area on Rogers Street to establish a new community park to serve the citizens of Waterloo and several nearby communities. Development will include a playground, a shelter with restrooms, paths and parking areas. 

(D) WAUCONDA PARK DISTRICT (Lake County) $279,400.00, to develop three acre Sedgebrook Park.  The project includes a basketball court, tennis courts with a practice wall, ADA playgrounds for tots and pre-teens, a walking path, shade shelter, bike rack, courtyard for sitting and open play areas.   

(D) WAUKEGAN PARK DISTRICT (Lake County) $292,900.00, to redevelop and expand Bedrosian Park.  Development will include a water spray park, a multi-age playground, picnic area, a triple-play basketball goal, a drinking fountain and outdoor fitness equipment. 


(D) WEST CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT (DuPage County) $400,000.00, to renovate Pioneer Park, a 30 acre community park located in the heart of West Chicago.  Development includes a splash pad, softball field, shelter, landscaping, play environment, fishing station with interpretive sign, basketball courts, soccer court, trail system, and exercise stations.


(D) WHEATON PARK DISTRICT (DuPage County) $400,000.00, to develop and renovate Northside Park.    New facilities include 10 fishing/observation piers, 0.9 miles of  walking paths to connect to existing paths, a dock for launching canoes and a playground.

[Bonster]

The City of Berwyn Recreation Department, Berwyn Park District, and North Berwyn Park District have previously each received a grant from this highly competitive program. The City was for Baseball Alley, North Berwyn for the development of Berwyn Gardens, and the Berwyn Park District for the previous expansion of Sunshine Park. 

Well that turned out to be a big waste, right?

Here's a thought - acquire the NBPD. 
The city used its own Open Space Land Acquisition and Development strategy to fleece it from them (and by proxy, the residents) under the guise of "management" to create parking lots.

[Ana]

Ths is wonderful news!  In other words, if we acquire any land for recreation or work on any of our parks we can apply for reimbursement through this grant, right?  Is it a yearly grant and as far as these grants go are they bascially guaranteed?

[Ana]

The city fleeced Berwyn Gardens from NBPD for parking?  Under the guise of management meaning the City was going to manage Berwyn Gardens?

[n01_important]

How can you acquire land in a place like Berwyn that have most of the land already in use by residents... other than using Imminent Domain to take them over.

Which many might say, "sure" until it is your home that is being taken over.

[Bonster]

The city fleeced Berwyn Gardens from NBPD for parking?  Under the guise of management meaning the City was going to manage Berwyn Gardens?

Yes...worse yet, "Mr. 100% against OC" Bob Lovero agreed with the takeover...

There was a whole thread on it here before...


Not so wonderful.

[Jeff Janda]

The grant process is quite involved and it is competitive.  Not all agencies get funded and there are limitations to what is permissible for the grant.  The previous governor had also swept funds and delayed funding for several previous grant cycles.

The grant program is funded by the state through a portion of the real estate transfer tax.