The City of Bloomington is getting a state grant to build a green infrastructure park next to the community sewage treatment plant on the west side of town.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources [IDNR] is giving $600,000 to support the Sunnyside Park Sustainability Initiative. That will fund a 12-acre regional destination for recreation, education, and environmental sustainability near the Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District treatment facility.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Sunnyside Park Sustainability Initiative to life with this grant,” said Eric Veal, Bloomington's parks and recreation director. “This isn’t just about building a park—it’s about creating a space where people can connect with nature, learn about sustainability, and enjoy all the benefits of being outdoors. It’s an exciting step forward for our community."
The city said the partnership with the district just west of Sunnyside Park on Erickson Avenue will provide educational opportunities focused on the water cycle, promote nature-based solutions, and offer active and passive recreation.
“As society continues to face evolving water quality and quantity challenges, the Sunnyside Park Sustainability Initiative will serve as a model for sustainable urban development. It will educate the public on the importance of the interdependence between the natural world and human communities while fostering appreciation for green infrastructure and sustainable practices,” said a city statement about the grant.
The city said the project is a step forward in Bloomington’s commitment to environmental stewardship, public education, and residential quality of life.
The grant is one of 100 park projects the state is funding with $55.2 million; 29 of the grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program will go to economically distressed communities.
“Since I became governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Gov. JB Pritzker.
Other Central Illinois grants this year include: $600,000 for the Peoria Park District Pleasure Driveway Park; $600,000 for the Fon du Lac Park District in Tazewell County; $168,000 for the Village of Spring Bay in Woodford County; $1,125,000 for the Champaign County Forest Preserve District; and $600,000 for the Champaign Park District.
OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments, operating since 1986.
"There is an impressive amount of work, creativity, and ambition that goes into planning new outdoor recreational facilities, and I’m delighted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is able to play a small part in helping communities thrive,” said IDNR director Natalie Phelps Finnie.