DANVILLE — The Garfield Park and Aquatic Center project in Danville is the state’s top project.
Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. is ecstatic about the win.
“What I am proud of is that is, the entire State, that doesn’t just include downstate, that includes Chicago too,” Williams said during a park tour on Thursday. “Out of the entire State of Illinois, they chose Garfield Park and Aquatic Center as the project of the year, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
The mayor added when he learned Danville won project of the year for the entire state, “My heart leaped out of my chest with pride and excitement; it was a great thing.”
The Illinois Chapter of American Public Works selects winners annually to honor.
“Needless to say, I am proud that we are able to revitalize Garfield Park and Aquatic Center,” Williams said. “This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Public Works team and Grant Manager Cailee Sanchez.”
The winners were acknowledged at an awards presentation dinner at the American Public Works Association Illinois Chapter conference on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Peoria Civic Center.
Williams and Director of Public Works & Engineering David Ruwe accepted the awards for Danville.
Last year, right before the opening of the new aquatic center, Williams stated, “Garfield continues to play a major role in the fabric of not only the surrounding neighborhoods, but the entire city. It’s the home of Garfield Pool, the Boys & Girls Club, host of the Seahawks Youth Football and Cheer Program, and countless other functions … Garfield is one of our three busiest parks and the only time it slows down is during the winter.’’
In 2021, the city learned that pool had become structurally unsafe. A study at that time projected restoration would be $3.5 million and building new would be between $9-11 million. A year later, the city was awarded $24.7 million in ARPA funds but the costs had also substantially increased. The city council decided to invest over half of our ARPA funds into the Garfield project.
Williams believed the decision was a good one a year ago. And while there is still some work to be done with the park, this award is basically a feather in the cap to the city.
“By saving Garfield, we’re demonstrating to ourselves and others that we deserve excellent amenities while making this an even better place to live, work, invest, and play,’’ Williams said.