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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Garfield Park is one of the City's five Legacy Parks and is an important, yet outdated neighborhood space that serves a densely populated area.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 ...
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