ROCKFORD – Washington Park on Rockford’s west side will see improvements thanks to a $250,000 grant the Rockford Park District is receiving from the state.

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) says the improvements will help create jobs and improve the quality of life around the area.

“Maintaining safe and clean parks is a crucial step in improving our community’s quality of life,” Stadelman said. “I am glad the state sees the benefit of investing in our local park districts and I look forward to what the future has to offer.”

The grant comes as a part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program will provide more than $28 million to support 87 projects statewide, while two projects will be funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.