Mastodon Lake Shoreline Restoration Project Groundbreaking Set

AURORA, IL — Mastodon Lake at Aurora's Phillips Park is on the heels of a restoration project that is expected to "greatly beautify" the body of water and attract more visitors to the city, officials said.

Aurora is set to host a ground-breaking ceremony at 1 p.m. Aug. 12 to commemorate the start of the dredging and shoreline restoration project.

The project is supported by a $4 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. City officials said the funding will alleviate the cost of the project on the city's stormwater management fund.

"Mastodon Lake is such an important piece of Aurora's history," Mayor John Laesch said in a statement. "I am appreciative of City staff;s work on this project, along with the support of State Rep. Hernandez, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Semper Fi. We are looking forward to seeing Mastodon Lake restored, while continuing to attract visitors from across Aurora and beyond."