Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Resources announced Wednesday Round Lake Beach will receive money to redevelop Lakefront Park.
Round Lake Beach is set to receive $580,915 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants to help cover expenses at the 1019 Lake Shore Drive. The money will be used to put in new amenities at Lakefront Park, including a new fishing pier and kayak launch, a picnic shelter with concessions, a performance stage, new playground amenities, and other items.
“One of the many 2023 goals of the Round Lake Beach Village Board was to begin the process to update our beloved Lakefront Park,” said Round Lake Beach Mayor Scott Nickles. “This is a huge credit to our village staff for going above and beyond to secure this funding.”
Pritzker, along with state and local leaders and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, announced nearly $60 million in state grants were being awarded for 118 statewide park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.
"Today, I couldn't be prouder to announce that IDNR's OSLAD program is offering the largest round of grants in the history of the program — nearly $60 million," Pritzker said.
The project remains in the planning stages and, at this time, a start date is unknown. However, the village is pushing to have the project completed by the summer of 2024.
“This money will go a long way to help cover the cost of the changes the residents said they’d like to see.” Nickles said. “I believe the changes and enhancements being planned will be amazing when it’s finally completed.”
