BTPD Receives OSLAD Grant from Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Assist in Development of Donated Land

The family of Roman "Smitty" Smietanski donated 70 acres of land to the Park District. The property is located at North Street and west of Sky Line Road. This is the first piece of land donated to the Park District since its formation in 1986.

Smietanski was well-known in the community and part-owner of the S&M Gas Service. Smietanski purchased the land in the mid-eighties. It had been an excellent hunting area and refuge for wildlife. In 1975. However, a drainage district had been established on the property and the water table dropped. The land dried up leaving only scavenger birds, crows and blackbirds. Smietanski bought the property to restore the wetlands for the waterfowl. He had hunted on the property for many years and felt strongly about giving back to the land that had brought him so much enjoyment throughout his lifetime. Knowing her late husband had wanted the land preserved beyond his lifetime, his widow Beatrice, decided to turn it over to the public. She chose to fulfill her husband's wishes through donating the land to the Park District.

The property includes a natural slough, a wetland refuge for waterfowl to live and is abundant with Canada Geese and other birds. Currently, the donation provides an access route from North Street.

The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Bourbonnais Township Park District recently honored the Smietanski family for the contribution. Resolutions were passed by both organizations for the generous donation and Smitty Smietanski's contributions to the area through his activities as an outdoorsman.

Park District Land Expands with Purchase

Immediately following the donation of the Smietanski property, the Park District purchased 61 acres of land adjacent to it. The land was bought with bond funds taken out in 1986 specifically for land acquisition. The Park District also has right of refusal on other adjoining property.

The purchased property will most likely serve as an active recreation area, however, plans for the land have not yet been determined. Access to the purchased property is from Skyline Road. The property is not a wetland like the donated land. In fact, it has been farmed for years.

In keeping with the Mission Statement of the Bourbonnais Township Park District, the five-member Board of Commissioners elected by the community sought to preserve open space within the District at a location other than the Perry Farm Park. With the growth of Bradley limited by the Perry Farm on the west, Kankakee on the South and Bourbonnais to the North, it is expected that there will be development to the east and the property is ideally suited to serve the needs of the expanding community. Input is not being accepted by the Park District staff and officials from the community to determine the wants and wishes for any possible development of the property in the future.

Development Plan Approved

The Board of Commissioners of the BTPD approved a plan for development of the donated and acquired property. It is setup to be done in Phases and a copy of the map detailing the phased development is available at the Perry Farm House. Stop in Monday - Friday - 8 am - 5 pm and see what's in store for our community.

OSLAD Grant Received

In January, 2004, the Bourbonnais Township Park District was awarded a $400,000 OSLAD Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fot the development of Phase I of the plan approved. The Grant is for the maximum amount allowable by IDNR. Appellate Court Justice Mary Kay O'Brien stated, "I am pleased to have supported such a project as a State Representative. I feel the community will benefit by the development and is deserving of the grant award.". Board President Dolores LeBeau stated, "It is our honor to serve our community and to be a part of this project. The trails on the Perry Farm Park were developed from the receipt of such a grant years ago and they are a valuable resource to the community residents who use them daily."

The project timeline calls for work to begin in Spring, 2004, with completion of Phase I by the end of the calendar year. It is an exciting time for our community.

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