VERNON HILLS – The Lakeview Fitness Center in Vernon Hills will soon see a 3,300-square-foot addition and other major upgrades thanks to a $2.2 million grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant program, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced.

“Recreational activity is critical to maintaining good health, both physical and mental,” Johnson said. “The revitalized Lakeview Fitness Center will offer our community even more opportunities to get up and move.”

The Vernon Hills Park District was awarded a $2.2 million PARC grant to fund an addition and renovation to the existing Lakeview Fitness Center.

The new facility will feature office space, additional parking, an outdoor paved area, locker room improvements, a new bathroom and a new group exercise room. The grant will also fund upgrades to the pool, including a new ADA pool lift, added lap lanes, a zero-entry pool edge and a splash pad for kids.

The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs to help build, renovate and improve recreational buildings used by the public, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded. The grant to the Vernon Hills Park District was one of 17 PARC grants awarded across the state Wednesday.

A full list of grantees is available on IDNR’s website.

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced communities in the district she represents will receive over $2.8 million over the next three years as part of the statewide Rebuild Illinois infrastructure improvement program. 

“I’m thrilled to see our community receive funding from the Rebuild Illinois program to pursue critical infrastructure projects that will improve safety, enhance quality of life and create good-paying jobs in the area,” Johnson said. “The pandemic has been tough on local governments’ budgets, but these dollars will ensure our long-term infrastructure goals stay on track.”

The Village of Buffalo Grove is set to receive nearly $500,000 through the program, and the City of Waukegan will receive over $978,000.

Funds from the Rebuild Illinois program can be used for a wide range of projects, including road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other maintenance needs. All projects will be selected and managed locally with financial oversight by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Through the Rebuild Illinois program, a total of $1.5 billion will be invested in municipal, township and county projects across the state to build and improve local infrastructure, expand all modes of transportation in the state, and foster economic development. The funds will be distributed in six installments over three years.

“Well-maintained infrastructure is critical to keeping our communities safe and accessible now and into the future,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to see how our local governments utilize these funds to improve residents’ commutes, beautify our neighborhoods and make our community even stronger.”

A full list of Rebuild Illinois grantees is available here.

BUFFALO GROVE – Waukegan High School has received a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fund a field trip to a natural resources site in Illinois for a lesson on nature and conservation, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced.

“Looking back on my own days as a student, some of the most lasting lessons were ones I learned outside the classroom,” Johnson said. “This grant will allow children to learn more about the world around them while exploring the natural wonders our state has to offer.”

Waukegan High School is one of 27 schools across the state selected to receive funding through the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. The competitive program allows Illinois teachers to apply for funds to take students on a field trip to study Illinois’ natural resources.

Over $34,000 will be distributed among the grantees, allowing more than 2,000 students to visit Illinois state parks, natural areas, museums and other natural resources sites in the coming school year.

The Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program has now distributed more than $1,321,000 since its inception in 2001, providing more than 119,000 students with the opportunity to take part in a field trip. Grant recipients are located throughout Illinois and represent students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

Find a full list of grant recipients here. The 2022 application form will be available soon here.

BUFFALO GROVE – Students across the state will be better prepared for college and the career world, regardless of race, income or ZIP code, under a new law backed by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“For too long, low-income students and students of color haven’t found the level of support they need in our public schools,” said Johnson, who co-sponsored the legislation. “This measure takes a monumental step toward helping ensure all our children—including Black and Brown children—are equipped to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

House Bill 2170, which addresses the Education and Workforce Development pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda, seeks to rid the public school system of systemic racism and ensure all students have equitable access to educational and career opportunities.

The legislation makes a number of changes to education policy in the state, from expanding eligibility for early childhood services to revamping the American history curriculum, in an effort to reduce systemic inequities in K-12 and higher education.

The legislation takes specific steps to improve outcomes for Black students, including reforming the way Black history is taught through an inclusive American history curriculum and removing barriers that prevent Black people and other people of color from becoming teachers.

“Quality education and supportive teachers are critical to any child’s success,” Johnson said. “This legislation ensures our education system gives every young Illinoisan the foundation for a bright future.”

House Bill 2170 was signed into law Monday.