State grant helps fuel $1 million planned upgrade at New Lenox’s Hibernia Park.

Huge modifications are coming to Hibernia Park in New Lenox, thanks to a $400,000 grant awarded to the Park District.

Section II of Hibernia Park has a funds of just more than $1 million, funded by the Open Area Lands Acquisition and Improvement grant and the New Lenox Group Park District.

“We are thrilled to acquire this grant that will let us to expand and update the present recreational features though generating a thing new for inhabitants,” Park District govt director Greg Lewis said. “The prepared additions will enchantment to our full group making Hibernia Park truly a location site for New Lenox.”

Updates coming to the 15-year-aged park incorporate generating its splash pad much larger and with slip-resistant padding, creating its boat dock compliant with the People in america with Disabilities Act and incorporating training gear along the strolling paths.

“It’s enjoyable we are obtaining a prospect to up grade,” reported Amy Maher, recreation supervisor. “We’re hoping to start out in the spring and it really should be concluded by spring of 2024. We’re hoping quicker than that, but thanks to provide chain challenges we are staying conservative.”

One particular of the major additions will be an all-reason making, Maher reported. The present all-objective constructing is employed as a concession stand and for boat tools storage, but will be designated solely for boating applications. Concessions and washrooms will shift to the new setting up.

Enhancements to the walking path will consist of exercise routine products for people today to use. Additions also involve a putting eco-friendly and a bocce ball courtroom.

“We’ve been waiting to hear again from this grant for a even though,” Maher reported. “We utilized in 2021, but because of to COVID it is been delayed. They usually have people today come out and appear at opportunity grant winners, but because of to staffing issues, we experienced to submit paperwork, choose photographs and do added write-ups. So we are really fired up to see anything coming collectively now.”

Hibernia Park is situated in the Hibernia subdivision at Eagle Circle and Blarney Street.

Maher mentioned the Park District is one particular of 87 businesses in Illinois to acquire an open up place grant, which totaled $30.3 million.

“Funding for this round of OSLAD grants was the direct result of Illinois Affiliation of Park District’s advocacy efforts,” Maher reported. “Without the guidance of the IAPD membership, these OSLAD grants would not have been achievable.”

Maher also said building bidding has not started, due to the fact they have been waiting to see if they would acquire the grant funding in advance of moving additional into the improvement course of action.

Hannah Kohut is a freelance reporter for the Every day Southtown.