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Garfield Park renovation scaled to $1.2M after grant match; alderman explores permanent soccer pitch with local nonprofit
Summary
Alderman Dan Bernero said Aurora will match a $600,000 grant to reach $1.2 million for Garfield Park improvements, that a second grant application was not awarded, and that the city is exploring a partnership with the 'Your Foot My Foot Foundation' to install a permanent soccer pitch serving at-risk youth.
Alderman Dan Bernero said the city will match a $600,000 grant to secure $1.2 million for Garfield Park renovations, but he cautioned that a second grant application was not awarded and staff are adjusting the project's scope to the funds available.
"So, the city's going to match a $600,000 grant. So, 1.2 million," Bernero said, describing the planned funding package and noting that engineering and parks staff are pairing the work down to fit the budget.
Bernero said he has discussed the project with his ward committee and hopes to secure additional ward-level dollars to expand the scope. He credited some project beginnings to his predecessor, Alderman Lamas, and said his role is to continue work started by others.
Separately, Bernero described a proposed partnership with 'Your Foot My Foot Foundation,' a nonprofit run by a professional soccer player who approached him about installing a permanent soccer pitch at Garfield Park to serve at-risk youth. He said the proposed permanent field would be similar in size to the city's portable soccer field but fixed in place.
Bernero emphasized the project remains in planning: a second grant was not received and the city is considering how much can be accomplished within current funds. He said follow-up will involve engineering, parks and ward committee discussions before any final scope or schedule is set.
