Governor Quinn Announces Major Investments in Cook County Parks

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced $4.2 million in capital investments to make improvements to several parks in Cook County. Supported by the Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Cook County communities are great places to live and work, and these improved faculties will help attract new residents and businesses," Governor Quinn said. "Having a great community gathering place is also important in helping to promote healthy lifestyles through recreation."

The Village of Harwood Heights will receive $2,165,200 to renovate an unfinished portion of the building where Village Hall is located and convert the space into a recreation center for youth and senior citizens. The total estimated project cost is $2,887,015.

The Park Ridge Park District will receive $1,627,000 to renovate the interior of the Maine Park Leisure Center on West Sibley Street with new program space, updates to the climate control and boiler systems, accessibility upgrades and gymnasium improvements. The total estimated project cost is $2,170,000.

The Golf Maine Park District in Des Plaines will receive $474,700 to renovate the Dee Park Recreation Center on Lady Bird Lane and Dee Road. The project includes mechanical, plumbing and electrical upgrades and ADA modifications. The total estimated project cost is $633,000.

The investments announced today are part of $50 million available through the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and 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 will be eligible for up to 90 percent funding.

"These projects significantly improve critical infrastructure which is vital to providing safe, comfortable places for people to enjoy public recreation opportunities for years to come," IDNR Director Marc Miller said. "People may not always see improvements made behind the scenes, but these upgrades will allow local communities to provide better experiences for the people who use these facilities."

The park projects are 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.