NL Park District Wins Grant for Park Development with Natural Resources Focus

Gov. Pat Quinn awarded New Lenox Community Park District $287,500 to develop one neighborhood park with more than playground equipment and basketball hoops.

Walker Park is destined to be developed in at the intersection of Lenox Street and Cooper Road. It was selected for features that utilize a natural bioswale that doubles as a rain garden, handicapped accessible fishing station out to the pond, walking path, splash pad and more.

Gov. Pat Quinn was on-hand May 11 to announce the award at a ceremony at Oak Park Community Park District. NLCPD Board President Brian Fischer, Parks Supt. George Travnicek and Communications Director Lauren Lotz accepted the award. It's a matching grant, said Lotz.

The total project, including playground equipment and a basketball shoot around, was selected for the unique features that will be included. The project coincides with the Open Space Land Acquisition (OSLA) grant requirements, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources gave the plan a nod of approval as well.

The total project is expected to cost $5750, 000. The park district pays half, she added.

The NLCPD was notified that it is one of this year’s 45 different park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies that will receive OSLAD grant monies, Lotz said.  

During the planning process for the grant, neighborhood residents attended meetings to voice their thoughts on what they would like to see at this park, Lotz noted in a press release.  "Walker Park, located at Lenox Street and Cooper Road, will now provide residents with a neighborhood park that will feature some of the most popular amenities."

 Executive Director, Greg Lewis commented: “We are so very grateful to again be awarded OSLAD funds and appreciate Governor Quinn’s as well as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources commitment to the OSLAD program.  Further, we appreciate the support of the Illinois Association of Park Districts as well as our local legislators that have shown their assistance and support to ensure that this vital program continues to be funded.  Without this grant funding, the development of neighborhood parks would not be possible.”

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