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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Daniel Anderson, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation
DATE: September 20, 2016
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval to accept a grant of $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources FY ’15 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program, for improvements to Mastodon Island at Phillips Park.
PURPOSE:
The FY ’15 OSLAD grant will cover about 50% of the cost of a project to educate and interpret the life of the Mastodons and the history of the Phillips Park fossil excavation, through an interpretive play adventure area. The focal point of the Mastodon Island experience will be an adventure Mastodon-themed playground that will include Mastodon-themed play equipment, a fossil dig activity area, and an animatronic Mastodon. The shelter and amphitheater area will be improved to accommodate groups. A plaza with a shade structure will feature a windmill to generate power for the island fixtures and promote green education. The north portion of Mastodon Island will be improved to include full accessibility and contain a series of outdoor activity pods.
BACKGROUND:
The historical significance of Mastodon Lake to the City of Aurora dates to the Great Depression, and a Civil Works Administration project to dig out a boggy area in Phillips Park on Aurora's southeast side. On March 7, 1934, the CWA work crew uncovered a massive Mastodon skull buried in the swampland. The Mastodon skull, weighing 188 pounds, became front-page news and led to the new waterway being named Mastodon Lake. The skull and other Mastodon bones unearthed during the Depression-era dig are showcased in the Mastodon Gallery at the Phillips Park Visitors Center. The bones are estimated to be 10,000 to 20,000 years old.
The Aurora Parks & Recreation Division was awarded this FY ’15 OSLAD grant for the Mastodon Island project in January 2015. However, the grant was “suspended” by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources just a few weeks later, after the new governor took office. In August 2016, IDNR informed the City that the grant funds would now be released.
DISCUSSION:
The FY ’15 OSLAD grant requires a 50-50 match. At the time the grant originally was approved in January 2015, the total expected cost of the project was estimated at $874,000. The OSLAD grant will cover $400,000 of the cost. The Expense Account Number is 340-4440-451.73-43. The Revenue Account Number is 340-4440-334.30-44. The work will be done by private contractors and city crews.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Besides its fun, educational and historic elements, the Mastodon Island project also will have an emphasis on the environment. Power for the 5-acre Mastodon Island will be generated by a windmill and solar panels with a plaza highlighting these green energy components. The north portion of the island will provide an accessible path in a loop with access to a series of outdoor "activity pods" that will feature such ecological habitats as shoreline plants, butterfly gardens, bird habitat and other wildlife enhancements for use by groups or individuals. There will be fishing outcroppings, look-out decks and seating areas. The shoreline will be restored with native plants to reduce erosion and increase habitat restoration awareness, and improve the water quality of Mastodon Lake.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request acceptance of this $400,000 grant from the State of Illinois FY ’15 OSLAD grant program.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution to accept a grant of $400,000 from the State of Illinois for creation of an educational and environmental area at Mastodon Island at Phillips Park.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has approved a $400,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for the creation of a Mastodon-themed play area and environmental upgrades at Mastodon Island at Phillips Park, covering about 50% of the total cost of the project; with an Expense Account Number of 340-4440-451.73-43 and a Revenue Account Number of 340-4440-334.30-44; and
WHEREAS, this project will include the creation of an entertaining, educational area and activities emphasizing the history of an archeological find in Aurora which made international headlines, and at the same time make several environmental improvements at Mastodon Island, and
WHEREAS, this project will draw thousands more visitors to Aurora’s showcase park, and provide entertaining, educational and environmental opportunities for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the City accept a $400,000 grant from the State of Illinois FY ’15 OSLAD grant program for improvements to Mastodon Island.