Park District is Awarded Grant for Jewett Park Renovation

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced that the Deerfield Park District has been approved to receive a $600,000 grant for the IDNR’s FY2023 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program for the completion of the Jewett Park 2.0 Renovation Project. The Deerfield Park District is one of 118 local outdoor recreation projects, representing $59 million in funding assistance, approved by the Department. The grant program is highly competitive and received over $100 million in grant requests this year.

“The Park District is thrilled to be selected as a recipient of the OSLAD grant,” noted Executive Director Jeff Nehila. “It will provide welcomed assistance as we complete Jewett Park’s renovation which began in 2019.” The park renovation project is focused on the improvements to the northern half of the park, which will include many amenities. The amenities will include a new playground, a concert pavilion, a challenge course, a family game area which will have a gaga pit, a bocce court, baggo and ping pong, a natural area with native trees and pollinators, a picnic shelter, a council ring and interpretive signage, a water fountain and improved accessibility throughout the park. Work is anticipated to start this fall and be completed by summer of 2024.