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17 Chicago-Area Park Projects Get Federal Funding

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Seventeen Chicago-area park expansion and acquisition projects are getting funding through a federal-state grants.

The two largest are in Cook County.

A $1.4 million grant, announced Saturday by Gov. Pat Quinn, will pay for two turf soccer fields, two natural turf softball fields, two natural turf all-purpose athletic fields, lighted walking paths, a playground with a spray feature, a skate park, a basketball court, athletic field lighting and amenities such as park benches, drinking fountains, garbage cans and landscaping in south Lawndale. Approximately $30 million will be spent statewide, pleasing State Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago), who said, "$30 million toward open land means we are moving."

17 Chicago-Area Park Projects Get Federal Funding

The second largest grant, for $1 million, will allow the Cook County Forest Preserve District to acquire a 28.15-acre parcel north of Powderhorn Lake in the Calumet region, which consists of wetland and upland forest, which will be restored. Future development is expected to include a walking path and a parking area.

Other communities receiving grants include Oak Park, Alsip, Bensenville, Broadview, buffalo Grove, Franklin Park, Itasca, LaGrange Park, Lyons, Norridge, Stickney, West Chicago, Westmont and Wheeling.

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