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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Ian Wade, Capital Projects Manager
DATE: November 13, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing City staff to apply for a second $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program for improvements at Garfield Park.
PURPOSE:
The City of Aurora is seeking to utilize this grant opportunity to further renovate and modernize the City of Aurora's Garfield Park on the near east side of the Downtown.
BACKGROUND:
Garfield Park is one of the City's five Legacy Parks and is an important, yet outdated neighborhood space that serves a densely populated area. Last year, the City applied for and received a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program for $600,000 to construct proposed improvements including a new playground, a potential splash pad, access roads and trails, athletic facilities and improvements to existing parking, restrooms and shelter. This grant requires matching funds, and the $1.2M necessary to cover the City's share and front fund the grant dollars (to be reimbursed) has been included in the 2026 budget (CIP F070, account 340-4440-451.73-43).
Design of these improvements is ongoing, and construction of the first phase is anticipated to begin in 2026. An early draft of the concept plan is attached, though the scope of amenities shown may change based on funding availability and further design development.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the glaring need for substantial improvements and the limited allocation for the first phase of this project, the City is requesting permission to apply for a second grant of the same size from OSLAD to further enhance the park. The proposed scope of this second phase tentatively includes a half-court basketball court, landscaping, signage, and further development of the trails, restroom and shelter. Funding for this second phase (again $1.2M) has been tentatively included in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2027 (same CIP and account) with construction likely to begin that year if the grant application is successful.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Securing another round of grant funding will effectively double the overall project budget. These improvements will substantially enhance the experience for locals and visitors, providing a family-friendly space for outdoor recreation.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
We request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the City to apply for a second $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program for improvements at Garfield Park.
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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, Garfield Park is a Legacy Park and the second largest city-owned park with amenities in varying stages of disrepair or obsolescence; and
WHEREAS, the City recently secured a grant from Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program for $600,000; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering another round of this grant for up to an additional $600,000 which the City is requesting permission to apply for; and
WHEREAS, the City will provide matching funds in the amount of $600,000 in 2026 for the first phase (total of $1.2M for CIP F070 using account 340-4440-451.73-43) and an equal amount in 2027 if the grant application is successful; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the City is authorized to apply for a second $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program for improvements at Garfield Park.