Romeoville to Receive $400,000 Grant for New Park Site

Submitted by the Village of Romeoville:

The Village of Romeoville will receive a $400,000 state Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant to fund Phase I of a new 31-acre park site.

The new park will be located on the southwest side of Romeoville near Weber and Airport roads. Phase 1 will include a 30-stall parking lot, a soccer field, three half-court basketball areas, two sand volleyball courts, two baggo games, storm water detention area with native plantings and an overlook with interpretive signage.

“We are fortunate to have received this grant to fund Phase 1 of the new park site. Projects such as this create jobs and allow more families to get active outdoors and promote healthy lifestyles. We look forward to seeing the project progress,” said Romeoville Mayor John Noak.

The overall master plan for the new site will include regulation size soccer fields, baseball fields, a playground, a shelter, practice fields, walking trails and parking. “This park site will eventually serve as the primary community park for residents of this area where they can enjoy additional passive and educational opportunities as well,” said Director of Recreation Kelly Rajzer.

The grant is through the State of Illinois Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program. The OSLAD program began in 1986 and has provided millions of dollars in grants for local park projects in Illinois. This year, a total of $26 million in grants were awarded, which is a $10 million dollar increase in funding from last year due to advocacy efforts by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. Romeoville is a part of the Illinois Association of Park Districts.