MT. VERNON – Veterans Park playground in Mt. Vernon is temporarily closed, as the Public Works Department has begun preparing the area for new additions.

Crews will be grading the site and installing a sidewalk that will outline the expansive play area. Installation of the equipment will begin Oct. 9.

This is an all-inclusive playground with a poured in place rubberized play surface. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The nearly $670,000 in improvements are possible due to a Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition (OSLAD) grant program that will pay 65 percent of the project costs.

Governor JB Pritzker announced the funding earlier this year. Pritzker announced 118 outdoor recreation projects across the state earlier this year, totaling nearly $60 million funded through the OSLAD grant program.

According to the City, the improvements will include an inclusive play structure consisting of ramps and interactive features that will provide opportunities for children with disabilities and special needs to play alongside their friends and family.

The structure will sit on top of the rubber play surface that will allow easy access from the walking path.

The project also includes resurfacing of the one-mile walking path and pickleball courts.