Darien Park Set For Big Improvements

DARIEN, IL — Community Park in Darien is set to see improvements.

Last week, Gov. J.B Pritizer announced $30.3 million in grants for 87 park projects across the state.

The Darien Park District was among the recipients. It received $400,000 for improvements at Community Park, near Plainfield and Clarendon Hills roads.

According to the park district, the money will be used for renovating two tennis courts and two basketball courts, installing four new pickleball courts and a volleyball court with synthetic turf, and renovating its parking lot, among other renovations and upgrades to the park’s amenities.

“The Darien district is very excited to receive a $400,000 (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development) grant,” Stephanie Gurgone, the park district's executive director, said in an email. “We have received a lot of requests for dedicated pickleball courts, and this grant award will allow us to provide those to the community.”

The park district will still need to complete grant documents, detailed construction plans and conduct a bidding process for construction. Work is planned to begin in the spring or summer of next year.