- Community input welcome for proposed activities ahead of July 16 meeting talks –

Recreational activities in Watseka could be enhanced through an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) grant program. Lakeview Park, near City Hall, is where city officials believe additional activities could be developed by applying for funding available through the Open Space Land Acquisition  & Development  (OSLAD) grant. A pictorial layout of the proposed project could bring pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, a splash pad, workout area, and even an outdoor amphitheatre/bandshell. 

The proposal was laid out during a public hearing (June 25) prior to the month's regular City Council meeting.  More input is welcome at a City Public Works meeting July 16.

Mayor John Allhands said the proposal reviewed came from community input already submitted.   

Keith Mulholland of Robinson Engineering said his proposed plan developed from the city's desire to pursue grant funds by contracting with a firm, Lexpro, hired by the City to explore possibilities. Mulholland said the proximity to the city ponds presents a nice campus for recreation.  The OSLAD grant, he said, can be pursued annually, but projects need to be at one site.  Lexpro provides the grant writing, Robinson Engineering can work with city public works for in-kind services to control expenses.   

Project costs are estimated at $900,000.  The OSLAD Grant picks up half the cost while the city employees share the construction effort.   Applications are due by the fall with grants awarded in the spring.

94.1 WGFA