July 02, 2025
Local News

Bolingbrook Park District earns $400,000 grant for park improvements

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the governor's office announced the Bolingbrook Park District has been awarded a $400,000 grant to improve Century Park through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.

The matching grant will cover 50% of the project, according to a news release.

"We're thrilled to be able to provide more improvements for our residents beyond what the referendum projects include. Not only am I thankful that the state provided the funds, but I'm proud of our team for the work they did to submit a winning proposal," said park district Executive Director Ron Oestrich.

Improvements at Century Park, located at 1675 Apple Valley Drive, include playground renovations, a gazebo, two pickleball courts, a basketball circle, a fishing area with outcropping and seating, pond edge enhancements, a wide asphalt pathway, off street parking, landscaping and a picnic grove.

A total of 85 park and recreation agencies in the state received a total of nearly $30 million in matching grants.

Alex Ortiz

Alex Ortiz

Alex Ortiz is a reporter for The Herald-News in Joliet. Originally from Romeoville, Ill., he joined The Herald-News in 2017 and mostly covers Will County government, politics, education and more. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree from Northwestern University.