The fully restored Wilder Park Conservatory and beautiful new greenhouse, scheduled to open to the public on April 12, 2014, were partially funded thanks to a Park & Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR.)
The grant funding was created by Public Act 096-0820 to provide grants to be disbursed by the IDNR to eligible local governments for park and recreation unit construction projects. The grant program stipulates that the District initially fund the entire cost of the project, with reimbursement at 50% and upon final completion.
On January 6, the Park District received $920,250 in reimbursement for the project, and upon completion will submit paperwork for the remaining $920,250 (the grant was for a total amount of $1,840,500, and will cover 75% of the total project cost.) The Park District looks forward to showcasing the buildings' amazing transformation at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sunday, April 27 from 3-5 p.m. All are welcome!
