Renovations Begin at Newly Named Victory Park in New Milford

New Milford, IL – A park improvement project is officially underway in the Village of New Milford to make sure the park space meets the needs of this and succeeding generations.

Upper Park, located at 2984 Morris Drive, New Milford, will now also be called Victory Park. The playground was formerly known as Upper Park and is owned by the Village of New Milford.

Renovation plans for Victory Park include a new playground, pickleball courts, a new drinking fountain with water bottle filler, landscape plantings, game courts, a perimeter pathway with fitness stations, a parking lot, and a connecting trail to Atwood Park. Amenities chosen for the park were selected by citizens via a community survey.

“Transforming this park is going to bring joy, fun, and new ways to recreate to residents of New Milford. We cannot wait to unveil this remarkable community space that will strengthen bonds, promote wellness, and create lasting memories. It really is a big victory for everyone in our community that we received state funding to invest in these outdoor recreational opportunities that are so important for the well-being of the citizens we serve,” said New Milford Village President Tim Owens.

Most of the funding needed for Victory Park renovations is thanks to an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant secured by State Representative Maurice West. The Village of New Milford was awarded $600,000 in OSLAD funding.

“Parks bring communities together, break down barriers, and create a sense of togetherness. Parks provide safe spaces for life-changing physical and mental wellness. I am extremely excited for the residents in the 67th District to experience the power of parks and outdoor spaces,” said Representative Maurice West, 67th District.

OSLAD, established in 1986, is one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois that facilitates cost-sharing between state and local governments. Rockford Park District provided $95,000 in additional funding needed for the project and grant submission. “Investing in neighborhood parks continues to be a top priority for the Rockford Park District as stated by the citizens we serve. The Village of New Milford is located within the southern boundary of the Rockford Park District service area, and we know there is a need to update the park and create new path connections to the south side of Atwood Park,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine. Contractors will soon begin to remove the existing playground, which was built in the 1970s. Renovation of Village Park is expected to be completed in 2024.

Community Feedback Needed on Playground Design

The Village of New Milford will ask residents for additional feedback regarding playground design later next month. An online survey to pick a playground will be found on the Village of New Milford’s website, www.villageofnewmilford.org. Residents can also pick their favorite playground design at a Trunk or Treating event on October 28, 2023, at the North Park Fire Protection District, 2177 Will James, Road, New Milford from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.