$400K Grant to Fund Peck Farm Park Trails

From Geneva Parks:On Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that 89 different park and recreation agencies throughout the State will receive a total of $28,900,000 in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant funding.

This funding includes a grant awarded to the Geneva Park District in the amount of $400,000 to expand the walking and biking trails and complete the master plan at Peck Farm Park North. “Investments in Illinois’ local parks makes it easier for families and recreation enthusiasts to enjoy our state’s beauty and help their communities thrive. Park projects will also create jobs, providing a boost to local economic development efforts in dozens of communities and spurring additional investment throughout the state.” – Governor J.B. Pritzker The Geneva Park District’s project will complete the Peck Farm Park master plan from 2002. The plan includes the following educational and recreational elements:

· Multi-use trail connections to the Mid County Regional Trail to the east and west. This trail also connects the adjacent neighborhood and better connects to the south side of the Peck Farm and also provides a safe connection to and from the middle school campus.

· A mowed grass trail within the central prairie being sensitive to habitat while still encouraging a more passive recreational experience.

· Field stone section markers with educational signage along the perimeter of the site.

· A solstice gathering space promoting educational teachings of the seasons.

· A council ring set within an Oak Savannah containing accessible seating and a sundial in the center.

· A picnic shelter overlooking the pond for programming that is close to existing parking. · An accessible pond overlook deck with seating to enjoy the natural wetland.

· And finally, protection and enhancement of a locally significant natural area – the Mill Creek linear corridor, which is immediately west of the site. “We are very excited about this news and the opportunity to make improvements within the parks. The natural areas are a haven for wildlife and an oasis of native Illinois landscape for all our residents to enjoy”, said Sheavoun Lambillotte.

The Illinois Association of Park District’s and the Geneva Park District would like to thank Governor Pritzker for his ongoing commitment and dedication to parks, recreation, and open space and the Illinois General Assembly for their continuing efforts to make the OSLAD grant program possible. The Geneva Park District would also like to thank the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director, Wayne A. Rosenthal, for his continued support of the OSLAD program. Geneva Park District is committed to providing recreational opportunities and open space to the community. The District owns and maintains approximately 700 acres of open space. The Geneva Park District is proud to be a leader in our commitment to preserving and maintaining open space in our community.

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