$400K Grant To Help Wheaton Revamp Memorial Park

WHEATON, IL -- Wheaton's Memorial Park is set to undergo some major renovations after the city's park district received a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. As part of the renovations, the tennis court will be removed to make way for a new band shell, a new pathway, and improved landscaping.

In a statement, Wheaton Park District Executive Director Mike Benard said the new band shell will be moved closer to the corner of Memorial Park, which he says will expand the park's green space by 20 percent. Benard added that a more "open concept" will allow for "more un-programmed active use of the park.”

In addition to designing a new walking path with native plants used for landscaping, the park district also plans to build a larger pétanque court and a "designated memorial location."

Park District officials say the new construction on Memorial Park is set to start in fall of 2019.