Photo courtesy of Fox Valley Park District
Gov. Pat Quinn announces the award of a $2 million grant to the Fox Valley Park District for expansion of fitness facilities at the Prisco Community Center. FVPD Executive Director Nancy McCaul, left of Quinn, said it will address many of the residents’ wishes.
By Fox Valley
Park District
Thursday, July 10, 2014
AURORA — The Fox Valley Park District has been awarded a $2 million grant by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for fitness center expansion and improvements at the Prisco Community Center near downtown Aurora.
Gov. Pat Quinn announced the grant award June 7 outside the Prisco Center as part of the Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, which provides state funding for renovation/construction of indoor recreation facilities, funded by the Governor’s Illinois Jobs Now! construction program.
These funds are part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs, provide more recreational opportunities, and drive Illinois’ economy forward.
“It’s important that everyone in Illinois has a place to be active and take on a healthy lifestyle,” said Quinn.
“Investing in parks and recreation is investing in our residents and helps us come together as communities. Parks enrich our lives and help make us healthier — a priceless combination,” Quinn explained.
The project will essentially create a new fitness center in Prisco and triple the current space (about 1,500 square feet) to more than 5,000 square feet on two levels.
The added space will allow for greater group and senior fitness facilities, renovated locker rooms, accessibility improvements and increased early childhood classroom areas for the Creative Play Preschool program.
Photo courtesy of PDC 30
During his announcement, Gov. Quinn, center, acknowledged PDC 30 and various other labor leaders for their important role in ensuring these projects are completed on time, by highly skilled workers, trained and experienced in their craft.
It also meets growing demands at both ends of the demographic spectrum, bringing early childhood/youth programming and senior/active adult programming to an area where such opportunities are needed.
A recent District-wide survey of residents indicated a high demand for adult fitness, as well as early childhood programming.
“We’re thrilled to move forward with this project that will address many of our residents’ wishes,” said Executive Director Nancy McCaul.
“We are thankful to the state for the funding assistance, and to our residents for their input that guides our planning. It’s essential that we meet the fitness needs across all age groups in our communities, and this project will allow us to do that,” McCaul explained.
Centrally located — just north of downtown Aurora — the Prisco Center is a hub of activity for many, with a total population of 58,889 residents living within a two-mile radius.
“With this latest project, the Park District is helping our communities and residents maintain a high quality of life,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner.
The PARC grant will cover 75 percent of the approved project cost, with a maximum grant award of $2.5 million. With the overall project cost estimated at $2,666,485, the Park District’s match will be approximately $666,621.
Completion of the project is targeted for 2016.