Posted on: January 5, 2015

January 5, 2015 — The Glen Ellyn Park District was awarded a $400,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant by Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The OSLAD grant will fund a significant portion of the planned phase 2 improvements at Lake Ellyn Park which includes park enhancements and restoration of the Boathouse.

The remaining costs of the project will be funded through the Park District’s capital improvement fund. The overall master plan includes historic restoration of the boathouse, playground replacement, landscape and park enhancements, and shore stabilization. Phase 2 construction is anticipated to begin in July 2015 and is expected to be completed in 2016.

Often called the “jewel” of Glen Ellyn, Lake Ellyn Park is one of the most utilized parks in the District’s system. Gary Mayo, Park District Board President, stated “This grant enables the District to implement improvements to Lake Ellyn Park and the Boathouse while reducing the financial burden for the District and residents. We are thrilled that the IDNR saw the merit in this project, and awarded us the grant.”

The OSLAD grant received by the Glen Ellyn Park District has brought the amount awarded to the Park District within the past six months to nearly $1 million.

This year, after a highly competitive and extensive process, over 70 park districts, forest preserves, and recreation agencies throughout the state will receive a total of $26 million in OSLAD Grants. The improvement projects planned with these funds will benefit residents of Illinois by providing open space and new/improved recreational facilities and public parks. Additionally, these projects will also generate additional revenue through job creation and the promotion of recreation.

A formal announcement by Governor Quinn was presented in Oak Park on Saturday, January 3, 2015.