Governor Quinn Announces Investments for Park Projects in Aurora, Naperville and West Chicago

AURORA – Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of $7 million for park development and improvement projects in Aurora, Naperville and West Chicago. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, these projects are part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“It’s important that everyone in Illinois has a place to be active and take on a healthy lifestyle,” Governor Quinn said. “These investments will give the Aurora, Naperville and West Chicago communities new facilities to be enjoyed for years to come. These projects will help improve the health of the people of Illinois and create new jobs for hardworking local residents.”

The investments are as follows:

• Fox Valley Park District, Kane County, $1,999,800 to renovate and expand the Prisco Community Center, located at the corner of IL Route 31 and Illinois Avenue on the Fox River. The project includes installation of an elevator, ADA enhancements, fitness center expansion and new program rooms. Total estimated project cost is $2,666,500.
  
  
• Naperville Park District, DuPage County, $2,500,000 to construct the District’s first and only large-scale indoor activity center at Fort Hill Drive and Quincy Avenue. The project includes an indoor running/walking track, gymnasiums, a fitness center, an indoor playground and multipurpose rooms for recreation programs. Total estimated project cost is $18,500,000.
  
  
• West Chicago Park District, DuPage County, $2,499,100 to construct a new Indoor Sports Performance Training Facility in Reed-Keppler Community Park. The facility will provide opportunities for softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball and golf. Total estimated project cost is $3,332,200.

“Investment in local park districts is an investment in the future of Illinois communities,” Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. “These new facilities will help maintain a high quality of life that is vital for attracting and keeping young families in Illinois.”

The investments announced today are part of $50 million available through the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC), which is funded by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! construction program. PARC provides grants to eligible local governments for park and recreation construction projects. Eligible projects include land acquisition, development, architectural planning, construction, rehabilitation and improvements for new or existing buildings and structures. The PARC program may provide up to 75 percent of approved project costs, with the exception of local governments defined as “disadvantaged,” which will be eligible for up to 90 percent funding.

The park projects are part of Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.