The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was awarded a $250,000 Project Grant from the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (CFDA 15.916 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning) to pass through funding to the Village of Minooka. The grant will support the acquisition of a 0.945-acre parcel of land to expand Veterans Park, fulfilling a goal outlined in the Village's comprehensive plan. The funds will allow the Village to acquire the property, which is currently used for industrial purposes and disrupts the surrounding green spaces, and incorporate it into a continuous greenway and trail system. This will reduce industrial use in a residential area and provide a buffer between homes and nearby railroad tracks. The project has an award date of October 1, 2023 and is to be completed by September 30, 2025.