February 11, 2025 La Grange Park, IL– The Community Park District Board of Commissioners approved a $700,000 real estate contract with the Village Church for the acquisition of 1150 Meadowcrest in La Grange Park during the regular board meeting on February 10, 2025.

The vote comes after the park district was awarded $342,500 in grant funding from the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and offered the Village Church $700,000 for the property. The Village Church congregation formally approved the sale during their annual meeting on January 26, and its board ratified the approval on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

The 0.86 acre property will become the first new public park in La Grange Park since the purchase of Hanesworth Park in 1978.

The Community Park District plans on maintaining the property as a “passive park,” and will focus on enhancing walking paths, natural elements, and the conservation of open space. The acquisition will preserve approximately two dozen mature trees and open space for future generations. “We look forward to working with the community, including the Village Church, to refine the design and develop the park in a way that preserves its unique history and best serves our residents,” says Park District Board President, Bob Corte.

According to the terms of the LWCF grant, the park district has three years from acquisition to make improvements to the property. During that time the park district plans to demolish the building and add a pathway network on the south side of the park. According to the park district, the development of the north end of the park will happen in phase 2 once the existing structure has been removed. “The board has considered features like a memorial tree grove, pavilion, natural play elements, and more,” says executive director, Jessica Cannaday.

The park district will use grant funds and existing capital funding generated through operating surplus and program revenue for the acquisition of the new park.