- Published: 18 March 2021
CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is excited that $1.7 million has been granted to parks in the 5th District through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Park and Recreational Facility Construction grant program.
“I am happy that the Franklin and Garfield park facilities will receive the funding to allow for proper updates and renovations,” Van Pelt said. “As the state continues its reopening process, these renovations will be even more necessary.”
Franklin Park Facility secured a grant of $750,000, which will be utilized for a development project to restore windows and doors, adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades in the restrooms and locker rooms, and improve ADA accessibility in the main lobby.
Garfield Park secured $1 million toward restoration of masonry, windows, doors, and structural decking of the park’s recreation facility. Electrical upgrades, exterior building updates and landscape work is also planned.
The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs to help build, renovate and improve recreational buildings used by the public, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded. Overall, 17 grants were awarded across the state for a total of $24.9 million.
The complete list of grantees can be found on IDNR’s website.
