Park District
of Oak Park Awarded Grants from Good Heat, Work Smart
Foundation
January 2008
The Park District of Oak Park was recently
notified it will be the recipient of a $200,000 grant
from the Good Heart, Work Smart Foundation to be used
towards the Longfellow Park Renovation Project. Specifically,
these funds will be used for a new elevator and foyer
area at Longfellow Center.
Renovation of Longfellow Park, to begin summer 2008,
features many accessibility improvements including two
new accessible creative play areas to replace existing
outdated and inaccessible equipment. The project is being
supported in part by a $222,000 Access to Recreation
grant secured by Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation,
in partnership with the Park District and other local
organizations. An additional grant of $35,000 from the
Good Heart, Work Smart Foundation allowed the Park District
to plan more accessible features for these playground
areas which will also feature a synthetic, slip-resistant
surface for full accessibility. Other improvements include
restroom retrofitting for ADA accessibility, the addition
of interior walkways and the relocation and renovation
of the basketball court to make it fully accessible.
The mission of the Good Heart, Work Smart Foundation
is to inspire people to reach out and make a difference
in the lives of others. They pursue innovative ways to
make communities a better place, one kid at a time! Park
District President Mark Gartland said, “These funds
will further the Park District’s mission of providing
quality parks and recreation experiences to all Oak Park
residents. We are grateful to the Good Heart, Work Smart
Foundation for their generous support.”
he Park District is seeking additional grant funds and
private donations to support completion of the elevator
during phase one. All donations will be recognized as charitable
donations by the IRS. Interested parties can contact Gary
Balling , Park District of Oak Park, at (708) 725-2020
or David Weindling, Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation,
at (708) 848-1560.
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