title
PROPOSED GRANT AWARD
Department: Department of Planning and Development
Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”)
Grantor: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Springfield, Illinois
Request: Authorization to accept grant
Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to accept and enter into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for grant funding awarded to conduct improvements of the Gold Star Mothers Memorial within Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago, Illinois in Cook County.
Grant Amount: $100,000.00
Grant Period: 12/1/2023 (retroactive) - 11/30/2025
Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $44,000.00 ($20,000.00 match + $24,000.00 20% contingency)
Accounts: Professional Services 51009.520830, 51010.520830, 51033.520830, 51034.520830; and Land Improvements 51009.560019, 51010.560019, 51033.560019, 51034.560019 and future Construction & Development accounts
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final grant agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 4
Summary: The Forest Preserves has been awarded funds to support infrastructure improvements to the existing Gold Star Memorial in Dan Ryan Woods, a 257-acre forest preserve, and one of only a handful of preserves located within the City of Chicago. The Gold Star Mothers Memorial honors the families who have lost a loved one in the service of their country and was originally dedicated after World War I and relocated near the new Visitors Center in 2018. The proposed improvements will include a new accessible gathering space around the memorial, with seating and permeable pavers. Native grasses and plants will also be added to create a visual separation from 87th Street. A new security camera will also be added to discourage vandalism. end