Kankakee, IL – The City of Kankakee continues to move forward with the Kankakee Riverfront Master Plan. Mayor Wells-Armstrong gave a presentation in front of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to seek additional funding for the Kankakee Riverwalk.

The City of Kankakee seeks $106,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) or the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The grants help provide funding for projects and land to enhance or create recreational amenities.

“This is a transformational project not only for the City of Kankakee, but for the region. I am grateful for the Kankakee Riverfront Implementation team, a committed group of community stakeholders who are driving this project. We will continue to pursue resources that will help fund the Riverwalk and support business growth, tourism, and amenities for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

The City of Kankakee currently owns three of six properties that define the proposed West Riverwalk and was already awarded $134,000 in grant funding from the 2019 IDNR OSLAD grant cycle.  The City is using the grant funds from 2019 to acquire properties along the East Riverwalk.

“If awarded the funds, the city of Kankakee will be able to jump start the design and construction of this critical segment of the Riverwalk, which will provide important recreational, cultural, environmental and economic benefits to the community and the entire region,” said founder and senior principal, Rick Hitchcock of Hitchcock Design Group.

The Kankakee Riverfront Master Plan was adopted by the City Council in July 2018. The goal is to reposition and develop the area as a main attraction to highlight Kankakee’s renaissance as a premier Illinois riverfront community.

The City expects to hear the results of the City’s application for the grants early next Spring.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

 

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