The Superintendent of Parks and Public Property in Danville wants to go after grant monies that could be used for major improvements at Ellsworth Park. Steve Lane told members of the city council’s Public Works committee last night (Tuesday) that there have been no significant improvements at that park in over 20 years.
Lane says the city could use in-kind services as its 50-percent match needed to get up to $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The application for the grant is due next month.
If funding is approved, Lane says improvements at Ellsworth Park could include:
- New ADA restrooms and a concession stand that would be relocated out of the flood zone;
- Relocation of basketball courts;
- Adding a new playground on higher ground;
- A new Disc Golf course;
- New picnic shelter;
- Multipurpose field;
- Other improvements that would tie into the Kickapoo Rail Trail when it gets to Danville.
Lane says most of the improvements would be made on the north side of the park (north of U.S. route 150).
The proposal to seek the funding is headed to the full Danville City Council for consideration.
