The Bloomingdale Park District will receive $300,000 from the Department of Natural Resources’ FY 2023 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program. The grant monies will enhance open space opportunities at the Park District’s Leslie Park. The park improvements planned and implemented by the Park District will begin in early Spring, 2024.  Current work near the pond area is being planned and coordinated by the Village of Bloomingdale.  Any questions about this part of the park renovations should be directed to the Village of Bloomingdale.

Leslie Park is nestled in a Bloomingdale neighborhood, providing critical green space to single family homes occupied by a mixture of various age groups.

The grant funded project will include:

•             A new playground divided into two separate areas specific to the 2-5 and 5-12 age groups,

both featuring modern surfacing.

•             Bag game, frisbee golf, and climbing rock features.

•             Shaded outdoor structure(s) and seating.

•             Fencing to secure the play area from potential roadside and water hazards.

•             A half-court sport court.

•             An accessible fishing station.

•             Native vegetation planting with interpretive signs for outdoor learning opportunities.

These proposed improvements are the outcome of the Bloomingdale Park District’s Strategic Plan, ADA Transition Plan, their most recent Community Survey, and public input received during recent neighborhood meetings.  Planning for these improvements has occurred in cooperation with residents and the Village of Bloomingdale. The Village intends to utilize stormwater grant funds to enhance the property’s lake with fishing piers/stations, native vegetation, and improved stormwater retention.

“We are very happy to receive these grant funds to improve Leslie Park,” said Joe Potts, Executive Director of the Bloomingdale Park District.  “Our community will benefit with additional amenities at Leslie Park to enjoy for many years to come.”

The Bloomingdale Park District project was one of 118 local outdoor recreation projects, representing $59 million in funding assistance, approved by the Department for FY 2023 OSLAD grant funding.