KLM to Receive Upgrades, Additions With Grant Funding

There's more coming to  in Hinsdale than a couple of platform tennis courts.

While KLM has been due for some touch-up work for a while, budget constraints have prevented projects from getting off the ground. The village recently managed to secure funding to begin projects this summer using two grants—a win-win that will spruce up the park without using taxpayer money. 

A number of the items on the consent agenda of were related to improvements at KLM, including an intergovernmental agreement with Lyons Township securing $150,000 dollar grant and an announcement that the village was able to double grant funding when it secured a $150,000 from the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition Development Program (OSLAD).

With a total of $300,000 in funds for KLM improvements, the village will look to complete work on a number of projects that were part of the 10-year comprehensive plan for the park.

The Lyons Township grant is earmarked for the renovation of two picnic structures at the park, Parks and Recreation Director Gina Hassett said. The South Shelter of the park will be completely razed and rebuilt, while the North Shelter will receive more aesthetic improvements such as new picnic tables.

With the OSLAD grant, the village hopes to complete a nine-hole disc golf course, a nature-based playground and grading to the athletic fields, particularly the fields used for lacrosse.

“The middle field is the most level, but not level enough,” Hassett said. “Grading that will provide an athletic field that will be acceptable for more than just practice."

Hassett explained that the team currently must seek other locations to play because of the conditions of the field.

Hassett was excited about the nine-hole disc golf course, something she said residents have had expressed an interest in as an attraction that can be enjoyed by all park goers.

“It's a very multi-generational sport, with teens, older residents and kids all having an interest in it,” Hassett said. “We do so little for that young-adult/teen group so this is something they can enjoy and it won't convolute the existing park.”

Hassett said the nature-based park will be built adjacent to the current playground, but will have different features.

“This doesn't necessarily mean a slide and swing, it will be nature-based with interpretive plantings and things of that nature,” she said.

Hassett said news of the OSLAD grant means that projects should be fully funded and construction should begin soon.