State grant helps fuel $1 million planned upgrade at New Lenox’s Hibernia Park.

Huge alterations are coming to Hibernia Park in New Lenox, thanks to a $400,000 grant awarded to the Park District.

Section II of Hibernia Park has a finances of just above $1 million, funded by the Open Room Lands Acquisition and Enhancement grant and the New Lenox Local community Park District.

“We are thrilled to obtain this grant that will enable us to grow and update the present-day leisure facilities when making anything new for citizens,” Park District government director Greg Lewis claimed. “The prepared additions will enchantment to our complete community building Hibernia Park genuinely a destination web-site for New Lenox.”

Updates coming to the 15-year-old park incorporate building its splash pad larger and with slip-resistant padding, producing its boat dock compliant with the People with Disabilities Act and adding work out gear together the walking paths.

“It’s remarkable we are receiving a opportunity to update,” said Amy Maher, recreation supervisor. “We’re hoping to start in the spring and it ought to be completed by spring of 2024. We’re hoping faster than that, but due to source chain issues we are remaining conservative.”

Just one of the biggest additions will be an all-goal developing, Maher claimed. The existing all-purpose developing is used as a concession stand and for boat gear storage, but will be designated solely for boating purposes. Concessions and washrooms will go to the new developing.

Enhancements to the strolling path will incorporate work out tools for persons to use. Additions also consist of a putting eco-friendly and a bocce ball courtroom.

“We’ve been waiting around to hear back again from this grant for a even though,” Maher claimed. “We used in 2021, but owing to COVID it is been delayed. They usually have individuals arrive out and glimpse at probable grant winners, but owing to staffing challenges, we experienced to submit paperwork, take images and do extra create-ups. So we are pretty energized to see every little thing coming collectively now.”

Hibernia Park is found in the Hibernia subdivision at Eagle Circle and Blarney Road.

Maher said the Park District is one of 87 organizations in Illinois to receive an open up house grant, which totaled $30.3 million.

“Funding for this spherical of OSLAD grants was the direct consequence of Illinois Affiliation of Park District’s advocacy endeavours,” Maher stated. “Without the assist of the IAPD membership, these OSLAD grants would not have been possible.”

Maher also explained building bidding has not started, because they were waiting around to see if they would receive the grant funding ahead of transferring further more into the enhancement procedure.

Hannah Kohut is a freelance reporter for the Day-to-day Southtown.