The Plainfield Park District was awarded an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $377,500 for the development of Springs at 127th.
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to develop this park site,” said Plainfield Park District Executive Director Carlo Capalbo. “We’re always trying to find ways to enhance recreation opportunities and ensure equitable play opportunities in the District, and this state grant is a fantastic way to help make that happen.”
OSLAD grants provide up to one-half of a project’s funds, with the rest of the funding coming from the Plainfield Park District’s capital and special recreation funds.
The primary objective of the four-acre Springs at 127th park development project is to provide unique recreational amenities for the northeast region of the District that complement existing recreational amenities at the adjacent Wheatland Community Park to the south.
The Springs at 127th park site has been landlocked until the recent Landsdowne development proceeded in the spring of 2022. This allowed for direct access from the east side of the site. The parks will be linked by a trail that will encircle the site and allow for access from the subdivisions to the east and west.
The Springs at 127th will offer:
- Dog park
- Trail
- Fitness stations
- Shelter
- Natural-themed play area
- Picnic games play area
- Open turf play
- Landscape improvements
- Rain/pollinator garden with interpretive elements
Input on the project’s elements were received at a public meeting held September 21, 2022. OSLAD grants require funded parks to be completed within two years of receiving the grant. This project is targeted as a 2024 construction and build.
