The State of Illinois announced today that Oak Lawn Park District has been awarded a $2.1 million grant, funded from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act, or PARC, grant program. The money will go toward remodeling the Memorial Park Recreation Center, located at 102nd and Major Ave.
The proposed project includes converting smaller rooms, such as locker rooms, shower facilities, and storage areas, into larger multipurpose rooms and new restrooms. The entry vestibule will be changed to a lobby and reception area.
We ve had great success this past year with getting grants to offset the cost to the taxpayer for some exciting, high-profile projects, said Tom Hartwig, executive director. This added space allows us to expand our program offerings and utilize a space that has sat dormant for years. We are thankful for State Rep. Kelly Burke for her support, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the State of Illinois, and Governor Pritzker, for their efforts in emphasizing the importance of these grant programs to help improve communities across the state.
The PARC grant program, which is part of Governor Pritzker s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital improvement program funded a total of $28 million in projects to local governments. These projects are to further public recreational opportunities throughout their communities whether that s renovating existing buildings or constructing a new community center. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) administers the program.
As we continue to build a stronger future for our community, updates to local landmarks like the Memorial Park Recreation Center represent substantial progress, said State Rep. Kelly Burke of Evergreen Park. I was pleased to secure this funding so I could help improve the experiences of the many people who take advantage of the recreation center every day, as well as for new people who haven t gotten that chance yet.
Renovation work on the Memorial Park Recreation Center is scheduled to begin toward the end of summer next year.
