JOLIET – With support from State Senator Rachel Ventura, Woodridge Park District, the Village of Shorewood and Channahon Park District are set to receive $1.5 million for land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

“As a former naturalist and former vice president of the Will County forest preserve, I can’t understate the importance of our outdoor spaces enough” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “When we put our planet first, we grow a community that will stay resilient for years to come.”

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.