Grant To Fund Upgrades To Turtle Island Park

ALGONQUIN, IL – The village of Lake in the Hills received a $277,700 grant to expand Turtle Island Park, which is located on Woods Creek Lake. As part of the state’s $29 million Open Space and Land Acquisition grant program, Gov. JB Pritzker announced this past week the village and 88 other agencies across the state would receive grants totaling $29 million, according to a news release from the village. The funds awarded to Lake in the Hills would help pay for a new butterfly garden at the park, the addition of a picnic shelter and upgrades to the fishing pier and parking lot.

The village was the only agency in McHenry County to receive state funds as part of this year's Open Space and Land Acquisition grant program.

“This is a great opportunity to add another quality venue to our park inventory. Woods Creek Lake is a centerpiece for the village and this will further enhance the outdoor experience for those who use our lake,” said Megan Croy, assistant director for parks and recreation. “The ability to do this work now and at a lower total cost to the village’s residents is a big win for everyone.”

LITH officials hope to provide a better fishing spot, create a great family gathering site and demonstrate an example of green infrastructure through its planned improvements at Turtle Island Park.

Located on Woods Creek Lake, the park is already a destination for fishers, officials said. The planned improvements will enhance access for anglers, including adding a handicapped accessible fishing pier. Improved parking is also a priority, according to the news release.

Erosion control along the shoreline and island area, the addition of a picnic shelter and a butterfly garden and the use of green roof construction and rain barrels at the site are among the proposed uses for the state funds, according to officials.

“The natural serenity of this site overlooking the lake makes it a great gathering place,” according to the news release.

The grant will cover 50 percent of the costs for the upgrades while the rest will come from the village’s Capital Improvement Plan budget in coming years.

The park, originally named Indian Trail Boat Launch, became Turtle Island Park in 1998. In 2006, the village bought a lot adjacent to the site with plans to rent the home until conditions were right for expanding the park, according to the news release.

The home was demolished in 2017 and village staff and the Parks and Recreation Board developed a master plan to improve and expand the park.

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