The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded $600,000 each for park upgrades to three separate governmental bodies: the city of Springfield, the village of Grandview and the Springfield Park District.
The projects being funded include the construction of an outdoor sports complex in Grandview, a playground and pickleball courts at Lake Springfield Center Park and a redevelopment of Dreamland Park near Southeast High School. IDNR’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant, which is funded through a portion of tax dollars from real estate sales, awards a maximum of $600,000 for development projects.
Grandview and Springfield were both designated as “distressed communities” by IDNR, which identifies such communities through “economic or physical criteria set forth in the Illinois Administrative Code.” Only distressed communities were eligible for maximum awards in this grant cycle.
This year’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant cycle saw IDNR award $36 million to nearly 70 park projects, a stark decrease from last year’s more than $55 million to 100 community park projects.
The Springfield Park District has received a $600,0000 state grant to install a new playground and fishing pier and repair damaged walkways and parking surfaces at Dreamland Park in southeast Springfield. PHOTO BY ZACH ADAMS
Dreamland Park
Springfield Park District was awarded a grant to install a new playground and fishing pier and repair damaged walkways and parking surfaces at Dreamland Park in southeast Springfield, according to Derek Harms, the Park District’s executive director. Additionally, the pond at the park will be strengthened with riprapping.
“Most exciting for me is a new playground,” Harms told Illinois Times after a Jan. 14 Park Board meeting. “The other playground is dated, so we will completely remove the old playground and construct a new playground in its place.”
Harms said the next step will be to wait for IDNR to send out grant agreements, then more details about a construction timeline should emerge.
Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory told Illinois Times Dreamland has historical relevance as the original park was around in the early 20th century.
“Dreamland Park has a long history in our community. It was once the park when segregation was going that Black people could go and enjoy themselves,” Gregory said.
He praised the Park District and its leadership team for committing funds to upgrade Dreamland and for past improvements to Comer Cox Park and Kiwanis Park.
“It’s special,” he said, “just to grow up in the area and see how that park (Comer Cox) has evolved, and serving as alderman at this point, and being a former Juneteenth director. Kiwanis Park as well, it’s a park that I’ve been to throughout my years in Springfield.
“The Smith family brought along the pump track in Comer Cox on that north side of the park there among other upgrades such as that fitness court, which the city partnered with the Park District on,” Gregory said. “Go to the south end of the ward at Kiwanis Park – they’ve done a fantastic job over there: new toys, new picnic and pavilion area that the area neighborhood associations have enjoyed.”
Lake Springfield Center Park
City Water, Light and Power will be responsible for renovating Lake Springfield Center Park, with plans to add four pickleball courts, a new playground and walking path while improving the parking lot.
“Enhancing this area opens Lake Springfield to the entire community, creating a dynamic activity center for all residents,” Mayor Misty Buscher said in a written statement. “By investing in high-quality amenities and improving connections between Center Park and Lake Springfield, we are expanding access to recreation, creating a welcoming gateway to the lake and laying the groundwork for long-term community and economic growth for Springfield and the surrounding region.”
Todd LaFountain, CWLP’s water division manager, said the improvements will make Lake Springfield a more inviting recreation spot.
“This award represents the first phase of what we can do to improve this area of Lake Springfield,” LaFountain wrote. “Center Park has significant open space with great potential. Adding new recreational amenities allows us to better serve the public now and positions us for additional possibilities in the future, including expanded access to the shoreline for the public.”
Grandview Sports Complex
The outdoor sports complex in Grandview will be comprised of two soccer fields, two bocce ball and pickleball courts, one basketball court and a concrete walking path.
“This project represents far more than new courts and walking paths. It represents opportunity, equity and investment in the people of Grandview,” said Village President Mia Ray in the state’s press release. “This grant allows us to create a safe, accessible and inclusive space where residents of all ages can be active, connect with one another, and take pride in their community.”
The sports complex will be built across from the Grandview Municipal Building on East Keys Ave.
This article appears in January 22 – 26, 2026.
