Glenwood conditionally accepts $60,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield grant for outdoor fitness court at Arquilla Park

The Village of Glenwood voted to accept, on a non-binding basis, a $60,000 grant award from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to install an outdoor fitness studio at Arquilla Park.

Village Administrator explained the award was discovered on short notice and said the resolution before the board would accept the award and allow staff to assemble village matching funds and complete procurement at a later meeting. "Tonight what we're asking for is approval of a non-binding resolution to accept the $60,000 grant award," the Village Administrator said, explaining the award strengthens the village's sport/recreation grant posture for a subsequent OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development) application.

Board members asked for a short video showing typical installations, asked whether public works would assemble the unit (the administrator said an approved campaign contractor generally assembles the equipment and public works would store equipment pending assembly) and raised liability concerns for winter use; staff said liability will be considered during procurement and compared the fitness studio to existing park equipment in terms of risk.

Trustee Taylor moved to accept the non-binding resolution; after discussion and a brief video demonstration of a similar project, trustees approved the acceptance by roll call. Staff said they will return on Sept. 16 with a binding procurement request and funding plan; the goal is to install the equipment this fall if procurement and weather allow.