Governor Quinn Announces $2.5 Million Investment for Chicago Heights Park Project

CHICAGO HEIGHTS - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of $2.5 million for a park development and improvement project in Chicago Heights. 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 give the Chicago Heights community a new facility to be enjoyed for years to come. The Park District Recreation Center project will not only help improve the health of the people of Illinois but will also create new jobs for hardworking local residents."

Chicago Heights Park District will receive $2.5 million to construct a new 9,500-square-foot addition to the existing Chicago Heights Park District Recreation Center building. The new addition will house a new 25 yard, six-lane swimming pool, wading pool, ADA compliant locker rooms/restrooms and programming space. The total estimated cost is $3.3 million.

The investment announced today is part of $50 million available 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 are eligible for up to 90 percent funding.

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

"I am very happy to learn that our Chicago Heights Park District has been awarded a Park and Recreational Facility Construction Grant to help build a new aquatic center," Chicago Heights Mayor David A. Gonzalez said. "This is great news and I would like to thank Governor Pat Quinn for his continued commitment to provide state funding that enhances the quality of life for our residents - especially our youth - within our parks and recreational facilities. I would also like to thank our Chicago Heights Park District Superintendent Frank Perez and his staff for their hard work and diligent efforts in seeking out these types of grant opportunities that result in significant improvements to our park system."

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.