Phase II plan for Hibernia Park in New Lenox has a budget of just over $1 million, funded by the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant and the New Lenox Community Park District. New Lenox Community Park District photo, July 2022, Hibernia Park, New Lenox, Illinois - Original Credit: (New Lenox Community Park District)

Big changes are coming to Hibernia Park in New Lenox, thanks to a $400,000 grant awarded to the Park District.

Phase II of Hibernia Park has a budget of just over $1 million, funded by the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant and the New Lenox Community Park District.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant that will allow us to expand and update the current recreational amenities while creating something new for residents,” Park District executive director Greg Lewis said. “The planned additions will appeal to our entire community making Hibernia Park truly a destination site for New Lenox.”

One of the spaces designated for workout equipment for people to use while on the trail. Additions also include a putting green and a bocce ball court. (New Lenox Community Park District)

Upgrades coming to the 15-year-old park include making its splash pad larger and with slip-resistant padding, making its boat dock compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and adding exercise equipment along the walking paths.

“It’s exciting we are getting a chance to upgrade,” said Amy Maher, recreation supervisor. “We’re hoping to start in the spring and it should be finished by spring of 2024. We’re hoping sooner than that, but due to supply chain issues we are being conservative.”

One of the biggest additions will be an all-purpose building, Maher said. The existing all-purpose building is used as a concession stand and for boat equipment storage, but will be designated solely for boating purposes. Concessions and washrooms will move to the new building.

The existing all-purpose building at Hibernia Park is now used as a concession stand and for boat equipment storage, but it will be designated solely for boating purposes. (New Lenox Community Park District)

Enhancements to the walking trail will include workout equipment for people to use. Additions also include a putting green and a bocce ball court.

“We’ve been waiting to hear back from this grant for a while,” Maher said. “We applied in 2021, but due to COVID it’s been delayed. They usually have people come out and look at potential grant winners, but due to staffing issues, we had to submit paperwork, take pictures and do additional write-ups. So we are very excited to see everything coming together now.”

Hibernia Park is located in the Hibernia subdivision at Eagle Circle and Blarney Road.

Phase II plan for Hibernia Park in New Lenox has a budget of just over $1 million. (New Lenox Community Park District)

Maher said the Park District is one of 87 agencies in Illinois to receive an open space grant, which totaled $30.3 million.

“Funding for this round of OSLAD grants was the direct result of Illinois Association of Park District’s advocacy efforts,” Maher said. “Without the support of the IAPD membership, these OSLAD grants would not have been possible.”

Maher also said construction bidding has not begun, because they were waiting to see if they would receive the grant funding before moving further into the development process.

Hannah Kohut is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.