Due to the unfortunate situation of COVID-19, many state grants have already been scaled back from their original projections. Bolingbrook Park District experienced this in 2014 with a similar IDNR Museum Grant for the outdoor pavilion at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. The District was awarded a $104,000 grant. We completed that project with full expenditures of the original plan, however all grants were frozen by the Governor. We eventually received the $104,000 in 2020, 6 years after completion.
Bolingbrook Park District Administration and Board do not feel comfortable in this current environment to spend $505,700 with no immediate guarantee of reimbursement. It is not fiscally responsible to spend that money when we are carefully watching all other spending.
What does this mean for the project? The 2021 Capital budget includes $200,000 for the bait shop project and we are committed to completing it by the end of 2021. This will feature a new shop with working restrooms for public use. The learning pavilion will not be a part of the new facility at this time. We will evaluate this addition in the future. Project bids will go out in July and we are targeting September to begin construction.
We hope you understand that this was a very difficult decision, but we are committed to ensuring our strong fiscal position for the future.
Bolingbrook Park District offers a safe and beautiful trout farm perfect for an afternoon of quality fishing. The ponds at Hidden Lakes are stocked prior to fishing derbies.
Please Note: • Fishing is available from dawn to dusk • Port-a-lets will be available April-October. • Please maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and other guests. • Please refrain from coming to the facility if you are experiencing the following symptoms: fever, abnormal cough, or shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell.
Note: Derby rules vary by derby. Five catfish or four trout catch limit on derby days.