ROCK ISLAND — State Senator Mike Halpin announced Hodge Park in Rock Island will be receiving $44,800 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a new walking trail.

“Hodge Park is a familiar place to my family. Whether it was learning tennis on its courts, or spending time with friends on the playground as part of the city's Adventure Camp, my kids enjoyed their time spent there,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “These improvements will allow future generations of Rock Island kids to create those same, lasting memories.”

More than $3.7 million was awarded to 19 different communities, which will be used to help meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreational facilities. Grants may be used for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities such as parking and restrooms, and educational programs.

The 19 recipients were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, which is overseen by IDNR and is made up of representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized user organizations, state agencies, organizations involved in greenways and trails and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.

“We are most appreciative of the grant support for the trail at Hodge Park in Rock Island,” said Rock Island Parks and Recreation Executive Director John Gripp. “The trail will be located in an area that does not have trails and will be appreciated and used often by the community.”

To see a full list of recipients, click here.