UNIVERSITY PARK – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released a grant of more than $600,000 to Riegel Farm for infrastructure improvements, thanks to the efforts of Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

“Riegel Farm is an untapped resource in the heart of University Park,” Joyce said. “This investment will provide recreation and education to area residents as well as visitors, which will benefit our community for years to come. I look forward to seeing this project develop in the months ahead.”

The Reigel Farm Revitalization Project offers a truly unique educational and recreational opportunity. This once active farm offers access to softball fields, tennis courts and historic farm buildings, which once served as the home of University Park’s Parks and Recreation Department.

This department previously ran an educational petting zoo and educated area residents about historic farming practices. The community has long since desired the reactivation of this truly one-of-a-kind resource.

Bertino-Tarrant and Joyce fought for funds after several community leaders, including Sonia Jenkins, and Mary Truss brought the need for this project to their attention.

“When I first visited Reigel Farms, I knew instantly why the ladies in the community had such a passion for the property,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Their vision and enthusiasm made it a must for me to work with Sen. Joyce on this important revitalization for their community.”

These funds will be used to complete the following scope of work: repair and restore the Administration Building and Historic Barn, repaint storage barns, demolish the hen house, and install security cameras.

This grant is part of the Rebuild Illinois capital grant program, which invests in Illinois’ aging infrastructure to create jobs and promote economic growth.