SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded more than $669,000 in grants to improve public boat and canoe access across the state.
The four grants, totaling $669,400, were awarded through the Illinois Boat Access Area Development Program. The program helps local governments acquire, build, expand and renovate public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois lakes and rivers.
“Investing in boat launches around the state helps communities improve access to public lakes and rivers and creates a better all-around recreation experience for thousands of residents and visitors,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.
A portion of the grant money will be allocated to the City of Springfield for improvements at Lake Springfield Center Park.
Springfield will receive $199,800 that will go towards a new walking path, motorboat dock, canoe launch, 12 boat slips, parking lot upgrades and additional trailer parking.
State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) stated that investing in the Lake Springfield Center Park will bring new life to the community.
Turner said, “When it comes to putting our community first, investments like this build a strong foundation for residents to enjoy.”
Other grant recipients include the Forest Preserves of Cook County, which will receive $200,000 for improvements at the Little Calumet Boat Launch, Dallas City in Hancock County also received $200,000 to replace its existing narrow boat ramp along the Mississippi River, and Rock Island, where the city received $69,600 to replace the courtesy dock at Potter’s Lake East boat launch in Sunset Park.
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