Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Beardstown Community Park District for New Recreation Facility

BEARDSTOWN - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment for the Beardstown Community Park District to construct a new recreation facility in Beardstown. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the project is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"It's important that every family and child in Illinois have a place to be active and pursue a healthy lifestyle," Governor Quinn said. "This investment will give the Beardstown community a play space to be enjoyed for years to come. This project will also create new jobs for hardworking local residents."

The Beardstown Community Park District will receive $2.5 million to construct a new public swimming pool and bathhouse to replace the facility that was demolished in 2012. The total estimated project cost is $2.9 million. Approximately $250,000 for the pool has been raised locally, including $115,000 from the Cargill plant at Beardstown, which pledged to match every dollar raised for the pool within the community.

"This is the perfect example of government and community working to improve the quality of life in our community," Beardstown Mayor Steve Patterson said. "The citizens of Beardstown will benefit from the jobs and a new facility. We are grateful to Governor Quinn and the State of Illinois."

"Next year marks Cargill's 150th anniversary, and during that entire span we have believed for our company to thrive, the communities in which we operate must do so as well," Steve Pirkle, plant general manager at Beardstown said. "We are pleased to be part of this wonderful new community pool and our 2,200 local employees take a great deal of pride in community engagement. We also thank the state and Governor Quinn for making this swimming pool a reality."

"Investment in local park districts is an investment in the future of Illinois communities," Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. "This new pool in Beardstown will help maintain a high quality of life that is vital for attracting young families."

"A public pool is an enjoyable and popular gathering place for families and residents of the community. They are used for recreation, exercise and socializing—for all ages," State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) said. "I know the residents of Beardstown and the surrounding area are very excited to have a public pool available once again."

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.