Latest $2.8 million for sports park 'a smart investment' in youth development, underprivileged neighborhood: Stadelman
State Senator Steve Stadelman today applauded the announcement of $2.8 million in state funding for improvements at Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park as a smart investment in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood and positive youth development.
The grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources follows $600,000 previously secured by Stadelman toward a $7 million upgrade in the outdoor athletics facility on Rockford's southwest side. When upgrades are complete, Hicks Park will feature an artificial turf playing field and stadium with eight-lane running track and bleacher seating for 1,000 spectators, among other amenities.
"With this investment of state resources, an under-utilized facility will become a major regional attraction," Stadelman said. "To flourish as a community, we must rescue impoverished neighborhoods -- and this project not only provides valuable physical assets but also a place for expanded sports programming that will strengthen the minds and bodies of girls and boys who are key to a prosperous future."
The 77-acre park at 2004 Ogilby Road is currently home to athletic programs including NFL flag football, NFL cheer, FIRE track and field, Wolves youth football and Chicago Bears Outreach Camp. Last year, the Bears donated artificial turf from the Walter Payton Center at Halas Hall to create a future warmup area as part of the $7 million upgrade.
$250,000 in Stadelman-secured funding increases residential substance abuse treatment for adults
Roserance will add 40 beds for residential substance abuse treatement for adults in part as a result of $250,000 in state funds being delivered for the project by State Senator Steve Stadelman.
The Stadelman-obtained contribution represents a third of the $750,000 project cost and takes Rosecrance to 80 percent of its fundraising goal, Rosecrance President and CEO Dave Gomel announced at a news conference this week where he expressed the nonprofit's "gratitude to the State of Illinois, with special recognition to Senator Stadelman, for their continued support."
Rosecrance is convering space previously used for treatment of teenagers at its Griffin Williamson on University Drive in Rockford to 40 residential beds for adults. Gomel explained that more teens are being treated through outpatient programs, while more adults who lacked adequate early intervention need residential treatment.
"As a society, we're beginning to understand the full cost of untreated mental health and substance-abuse disorders -- the emotional and economic impacts on families and communities," Stadelman said. "Just look at our county jails and the number of inmates who are dealing with mental health issues and substance-abuse disorders. This is why I was so committed to helping Rosecrance meet changing needs."
New cardio/strength center at riverfront YMCA moves forward
The latest expansion of the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA is progressing rapidly, with the final support beam recently being lowered into place. The 9,000-square-foot addition was made possible in part through $250,000 in funds secured by State Senator Steve Stadelman. Learn more about the new cardio and strength training center, scheduled to open this summer.
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State Senator Steve Stadelman
January 9 at 8:39 AM
