Public Input Meeting for the Redevelopment of Lufkin Park
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced applications are being accepted for grants through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program. The OSLAD program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public outdoor recreation areas. OSLAD is a matching program that provides 50 percent of the project cost up to $400,000. The local agency (in this case, the Village of Villa Park) must demonstrate and possess the ability to finance the remaining costs of an approved project prior to receipt of grant funds.
The Village of Villa Park is applying for the OSLAD Grant with the hopes of redeveloping Lufkin Park. Before the grant application is submitted, the Village wants to hear from the residents. There will be two community input meetings held during the month of August. The discussion will center and focus on what YOU and members of the community would like to see added to the park. We want to make this YOUR Park!
There are several recreational amenities that will not be considered or included in the park renovation due to restrictions in the deed to the property. Primarily large scale active sports, including baseball, football and soccer will not be considered for the redevelopment. There are a number of amenities that could be well utilized at this location, but we want to hear what YOU want. The IDNR informed the Village that amenities that are not already available in the community are looked upon more favorably when considering each grant application. The location for the meetings is the Community Recreation Building, 320 E. Wildwood.
The dates and times for the two separate public input meetings are listed below:
1. Saturday morning, August 14, 2021 at 9 am.
2. Wednesday evening, August 18, 2021 at 7 pm.
If you are interested in the redevelopment of Lufkin Park, please attend one of these two meetings to share your thoughts and goals for the Lufkin Park renovation. We look forward to hearing from you. Please note that the capacity of the room at CRB is 100 people. If more than 100 people are present and some are turned away due to capacity limits, we may consider offering a third meeting option. Also, effective 7/29/2021, the CDC, IDPH and DuPage County are recommending face coverings for all indoor, public spaces, whether a person is vaccinated or not. Consequently, face coverings are required for both community input meetings. For additional information or questions, please contact email Gina M. Racanelli, Superintendent of Recreation at GRacanelli@invillapark.com.