Aurora Receives Grant To Help Fund Garfield Park Renovations

AURORA, IL — The City of Aurora received a $600,000 grant to help fund renovations at Garfield Park, officials announced Monday.

The grant from Illinois' Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program will pay for phase one of the project.

Proposed renovations include a modernized playground, a new splash pad, new sports facilities, better parking and improved amenities, according to a news release. The sports facility will feature an updated sand volleyball court, half-court for basketball and a street soccer pitch.

Plans also include a renovated picnic shelter and improved bathroom facilities within the historic park.

Officials said a timeline for construction has not yet been developed but is in the works.

"Thank you to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and City officials for working hard to secure this important grant!" officials wrote in an announcement on Facebook. "We are excited to improve one of Aurora's iconic, legacy parks!"