Algonquin Gets $400K For Presidential Park Upgrades

ALGONQUIN, IL — The village of Algonquin has been awarded a $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state of Illinois to assist in the redevelopment of Presidential Park.

The initial phase of improvements at Presidential Park, which are tentatively scheduled to begin in 2023, will include a new sports-themed playground, updated challenge course and fitness equipment, improved multi-use and soccer fields, and an upgraded open-air pavilion with restroom facilities, according to a news release.

“We are very grateful to receive funding for the improvements at Presidential Park through this very competitive state-wide grant process,” village president Debby Sosine said in a news release. “The improvements to current amenities and construction of new features at Presidential Park will have a positive, lasting impression on our community as a whole.”

Presidential Park was identified as a priority park improvement site by residents and stakeholders in the village’s parks and recreation comprehensive master plan, which was adopted in 2021.

The local match for the initial phase of improvements at Presidential Park is estimated at $1.8 million, with the OSLAD grant providing an additional $400,000 to the project, according to a news release. Future improvements at Presidential Park will consist of baseball field improvements, ballfield storage shelter construction and parking lot renovations.

The OSLAD program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and can provide up to one-half of a project’s funds to support local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

More information on the improvements at Presidential Park and the village's park system can be found online.