MANHATTAN – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, Manhattan Park District will receive a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for recreational development projects at Round Barn Farm.

“Investing in our parks and trails is an investment in the well-being of our communities,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These are spaces for folks to engage in recreational activities and come together as a community. It is necessary we continue to provide funding for them so they can stay accessible.”

More than $3.7 million was awarded to 19 different communities, which will be used to help meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreational facilities. Grants may be used for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities such as parking and restrooms, and educational programs

The 19 recipients were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, overseen by IDNR, and is made up of representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized user organizations, state agencies, organizations involved in greenways and trails and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.

“We are very pleased to receive the RTP grant for the Round Barn Farm Trail improvements. We thank the State of Illinois and the Federal Recreational Trails Program for recognizing the benefits these trails will bring to Round Barn Farm Park, our residents and future trail connections in our region,” said Jay Kelly, executive director of Manhattan Park District. “We want to also thank our legislators, Senator Patrick Joyce and Representative Anthony DeLuca, in supporting the Manhattan Park District in their efforts in Springfield.”

To see a full list of recipients, click here.