Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Austin Community for Recreation Project

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of $450,000 to improve a community recreational facility in Chicago's Austin Community. 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 everyone in Illinois has a place to be active and take on a healthy lifestyle," Governor Quinn said. "This investment will create jobs and give families in the Austin Community access to an updated recreational facility to be enjoyed for years to come."

The Chicago Park District will receive $450,000 to rehabilitate the exterior and interior of the Austin Town Hall to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Exterior improvements include accessible pathways to the facility and entrances, accessible seating, a tiered accessible drinking fountain and an automatic door operator at the main entrance. Interior improvements include upgrades to women's and men's toilet and locker rooms, a new companion care restroom on the first floor and the installation of two chair lifts to access the swimming pool and the auditorium balcony. Most spaces will include new signs, door hardware, handrails and detectable warnings at stairs landings to comply with ADA requirements. The total estimated project cost is $1 million. Austin Town Hall is a major recreational center serving a large population in the Austin Community area.

The investment announced today is funded through the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, which is funded by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! construction program. PARC provides investments to eligible local governments for park and recreation construction projects. Eligible projects include land acquisition, development, architectural planning, construction, rehabilitation and improvements. 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.

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

The park project is 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.