Waukegan, Illinois (July 8, 2022) – Governor JB Pritzker announced that the Waukegan Park District has been awarded a $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois to assist in the renovation of Bevier Park, located at 2255 Yorkhouse Road. Bevier Park will be transformed with a new nature-themed playground, a discovery dock, and a sand beach with a kayak and canoe launch. Additionally, the baseball field will be enhanced with new backstops, bleachers, and dugouts; the basketball courts will be resurfaced; and the disc golf course will be improved.

The OSLAD program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), can provide up to half of a project’s funds and, combined with the investment of local matching funds, will support more than $56 million in park development projects and land acquisitions statewide. The OSLAD program began in 1987 and has invested $433.5 million in 1,816 park projects. The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax.

Construction at the property where Bevier Park is located began in 1969 with the development of a pond and continued in 1971 with improvements, eventually becoming an official park in 1973. Today, Bevier Park consists of 30.4 acres with a Nature’s Classroom, Henry Pfau Callahan Disc Golf Course, a pond where the Waukegan Park District’s fishing derby is held annually, among other amenities. Bevier Park is named after Bevier Butts, who served as Director of the Recreation Department for the City of Waukegan for 26 years.

In his announcement, Governor JB Pritzker stated, “Investments in our local parks are investments in our communities. Park projects don’t just create jobs and boost local economic development — they open the gateway for a healthier, happier Illinois. Every family in our state deserves nearby access to outdoor public spaces where they can gather with their friends and neighbors — and enjoy some sunshine, too.”

Janet E. Kilkelly, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is thankful that the State of Illinois recognizes the importance of this project for our community and will be supporting us financially. The community will benefit significantly from the renovation of Bevier Park.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is grateful for the financial support from the State of Illinois and Governor JB Pritzker. The grant will help fund our efforts to transform Bevier Park with improvements to existing amenities and the construction of new features.”