$7.85 Million Secured For Park Improvements For Frankfort Park District

FRANKFORT, IL — At the Back To School Bash on Thursday, State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Frankfort Park District announced that the Illinois state budget includes $7,850,000 in Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grants to fund park infrastructure improvements at the Frankfort Park District.

This investment will support the Frankfort Park District as it addresses long-standing challenges due to limited funding and aging facilities, according to a news release.

"Families in Frankfort and across the Southland area deserve safe, accessible, and modern recreational spaces," said Senator Hastings. "This funding will ensure our parks remain a source of pride and a central part of community life for generations to come."

The Park District said that a majority of the funding will be directed toward Commissioners Park. The district is currently developing a comprehensive master plan for the improvements. Additional funds will support improvements at other parks, including parking lot enhancements at Lincoln Meadow and Windy Hill Park, improving accessibility and convenience for park visitors.

“This funding presents a valuable opportunity for the Park District to reinvest in aging infrastructure - projects that would not have been possible under our current budget constraints," Executive Director Gina Hassett said in a release. "With these enhancements, we can demonstrate to the community the tangible benefits of adequate funding. Historically, improvements at Commissioner Park have largely depended on support from the Operation Playground Foundation and contributions from local volunteer athletic organizations. This grant allows us to take a significant step forward in addressing long-standing needs.”