Six-figure state grants fund park upgrades in Woodstock, Fox River Grove, Huntley

Woodstock, Huntley, Fox River Grove and Fox Lake are among local communities that have scored six-figure grants from the state of Illinois for parks improvements.

The city of Woodstock and the villages of Fox River Grove and Fox Lake each received $600,000 from Illinois Department of Natural Resource grants, while the Huntley Park District got $384,500. The Wauconda Park District also was the recipient of a $600,000 grant.

The shares were among $55 million in state Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants announced Dec. 16 by Gov. JB Pritzker to help more than 100 parks statewide acquire land or improve recreational opportunities.

Here’s where some of the local money is going:

Huntley Park District to renovate Ol' Timers Park

The Huntley Park District is using its OSLAD grant to renovate Ol’ Timers Park close to downtown Huntley.

The park district plans to update the playground, add exercise stations to the walking path, install Huntley’s first wiffleball field, add a gaga ball pit, add a bag toss game, enhance a natural area with educational nodes and improve the park’s existing ball diamond, said Matt Szytz, the park district’s marketing and communications director.

“The renovation of Ol' Timers Park is a key component of the district’s comprehensive plan to enhance and expand recreational facilities, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the Huntley community,” Szytz said in an email, adding that the project is scheduled to start late next year and is expected to be done in 2026.

The Huntley Park District previously received more than $500,000 in OSLAD funding earlier this year to help pay for renovation work at Weiss Park.

Woodstock’s grant will help fund memorial splash pad at Water Works

Woodstock’s $600,000 OSLAD grant will go toward building a splash pad near Woodstock Water Works, in Emricson Park, in honor of the late Melissa O’Leary, a longtime Woodstock Recreation Department employee.

In honor of O’Leary, who worked at Woodstock Water Works for 20 years, the splash pad site will have a native flower garden, according to a news release from the city.

Other amenities at the splash pad include “wheelchair-accessible concrete surfacing, outdoor games, a sand volleyball court, shade shelters with seating, game tables and walkways,” according to the release.

Mark Pentecost, the Woodstock director of parks and recreation, said in an email to the Northwest Herald that much of the planning for the splash pad had been completed, but the final features and design are to be determined. The project is expected to be completed in 2026, Pentecost said.

Woodstock has raised $100,000 for the splash pad through fundraising efforts, according to the release. Pentecost said the city continues to fundraise to try to offset the $1.2 million cost of the splash pad.

OSLAD grants require a match, and when the city council voted over the summer to give permission for the grant, finances were a concern, but officials felt there was a path to meet their match.

The city has set up a fundraising website for the splash pad at: woodstockrecreationdepartment.com/461/Memorial-Splash-Pad.

“We believe this new amenity will create a tremendous amount of joy for all residents and greatly enhance our ability to offer quality aquatic recreational experiences in Woodstock. We are very grateful to the IDNR for their support,” Pentecost said.

It’s the second OSLAD grant for projects being built in Emricson Park. The intergenerational inclusive playground received a $600,000 OSLAD grant in March 2023. Some of the playground’s amenities include the inclusive playground, adult fitness court and family fitness shelter.

The playground’s tentative grand opening is scheduled for May, according to the release.

Fox River Grove will add new pickleball and tennis court, more at Lions Park

Fox River Grove’s state grant will be used for improvements at one of the village’s main gathering spots: the 6-acre Lions Park along the south bank of the Fox River.

With the village matching funds of almost $1.3 million, Fox River Grove plans to replace aging amenities and add several new features, including new tennis and pickleball courts and new half-basketball courts, replacing the existing picnic pavilion and playground, adding parking and a new open-air shelter, regrading and seeding the baseball and soccer fields, and adding trails, according to the village news release.

Design and preliminary engineering on the projects are scheduled to be completed in 2025, with construction in 2026. Officials said the grant was the culmination of several years of planning.

For Fox Lake, grant is ‘game-changer’

Fox Lake village officials said the state money will support efforts to continue development of Lakefront Park with an Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant pier and boardwalk.

“This grant is a game-changer for us,” Mayor Donny Schmit said in a news release. “It allows us to enhance the park and provide greater accessibility to families and community members who will benefit from water-based recreation and various special events and program offerings. We are incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement from Illinois state Rep. Tom Weber and every member of our community who made this possible.”

The release went on to say the goal is to “transform the village into a sought-after tourist destination within the Chain O’ Lakes region, boosting visits to the park and local businesses due to its close proximity to the village’s downtown business district. Additionally, it is conveniently located within walking distance of the village’s Metra train station.”

The estimated target date for completion is spring 2026.