PRESS RELEASE: State grant awarded for Centennial Park renovation

December 31, 2024

$600,000 matching grant will be used to revitalize playground, other amenities in 2026.

Antioch, IL (Dec. 17, 2024) – Christmas came early this week for the Village of Antioch as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded the community a $600,000 grant for the renovation of Centennial Park. This significant investment marks a milestone in Antioch’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and preserving spaces that bring the community together.


The matching grant was made possible by the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, which makes up part of the more than $55.2 million awarded to help communities throughout Illinois with land acquisition, park development, and other outdoor recreation projects. The OSLAD program has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois since 1986.


Centennial Park holds a special place in the heart of the Village. Built in 1992, the 7.93-acre park was a true community effort—designed and constructed with the help of the families and children who would come to enjoy it. Now, more than 30 years later, the renovation will ensure Centennial Park remains a cherished gathering place for generations to come.


“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources,” Mayor Scott Gartner said. “Centennial Park is a cornerstone of our community, and this funding represents a meaningful step in our ongoing efforts to invest in Antioch’s infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”


The $600,000 matching grant will be used to revitalize Centennial Park, updating its facilities, improving accessibility, and ensuring it meets the needs of today’s families while honoring the park’s legacy. Other improvements include a new shelter, as well as updates to the park’s tennis courts, trails, signage, landscaping, and more. The project is not expected to begin until 2026.


From its inception, Centennial Park has been more than just a playground—it has been a symbol of what can be accomplished when a community works together, Assistant Village Administrator Jim Moran said.


“These improvements intend to provide updated, full accessible, and expanded offerings to Antioch residents based off community feedback,” he said. “As the Village of Antioch looks ahead to the park’s transformation, this grant serves as a testament to the community’s dedication to creating spaces that foster connection, recreation, and pride.”


About the Village of Antioch
Located in the heart of Lake County, Illinois, the Village of Antioch is a vibrant community known for its small-town appeal, rich history, and commitment to growth. With parks, recreational spaces, and local events at the heart of its community spirit, Antioch continues to invest in projects that enhance the lives of residents and visitors alike.

 

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Contact:
Kelley Crimmins
Communications & Event Specialist, Village of Antioch
C: 224-817-1971, kcrimmins@antioch.il.gov


Press Release: Antioch Officials Sworn In, Village Administrator Appointed

By Jim Moran • May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE Antioch Officials Sworn In, Village Administrator Appointed Antioch, IL (May 20, 2025) – Mayor Scott Gartner and three members of the Antioch Village Board were sworn in Wednesday, May 14, marking a new chapter in Village leadership as several redevelopment projects near completion. Mayor Gartner begins his second term alongside Trustee Brent Bluthardt,… The post Press Release: Antioch Officials Sworn In, Village Administrator Appointed first appeared on Antioch, IL.

Request for Proposals (RFP) – Beer Tent Operations

By Jim Moran • February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) – BEER TENT OPERATIONS The Village of Antioch, Illinois, is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to operate beer tents at three major Village events. Event 1: Kickoff Concert – June 12, 2025 Event 2: End of Summer Concert – August 14, 2025 Event 3: Small Town Smokeout –… The post Request for Proposals (RFP) – Beer Tent Operations first appeared on Antioch, IL.

Camp Crayon Webpage

By lromine • February 7, 2025
Please click here to find information and FAQ about Camp Crayon. The post Camp Crayon Webpage first appeared on Antioch, IL.

PRESS RELEASE: Downtown Antioch shines bright this holiday season with shopping deals, festivities

By Jim Moran • December 11, 2024
Downtown Antioch shines bright this holiday season with shopping deals, festivities Antioch, IL (Dec. 9, 2024) – The holiday spirit is alive and well in downtown Antioch! After you make your wish lists (and check them twice), local businesses and organizations are offering an array of exciting shopping deals and festive activities for everyone to… The post PRESS RELEASE: Downtown Antioch shines bright this holiday season with shopping deals, festivities first appeared on Antioch, IL.

Mayor’s Message – December 6, 2024

By Jim Moran • December 11, 2024
Happy Friday, Antioch!Santa Claus is coming to town starting tonight and you can see him for free! The jolly elf is the guest of honor at the Village of Antioch’s Santa at the Sawmill each Friday and Saturday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. through December 21. Come enjoy this beloved tradition!If you can’t make… The post Mayor’s Message – December 6, 2024 first appeared on Antioch, IL.

PRESS RELEASE: The Village of Antioch welcomes two new employees to Village Hall

By Jim Morgan • December 5, 2024
PRESS RELEASE The Village of Antioch welcomes two new employees to Village Hall ANTIOCH, Ill. (October 1, 2024) — The Village of Antioch welcomed two new employees to its team last month who will work to support local economic development and enhance public communication and engagement. Their combined efforts aim to support local economic development and create marketing and communications strategies for the Village of Antioch’s government services, news, events, and general information. With more than 15 years’ experience in executive leadership, Business Liaison Specialist Kim Biederman’s career highlights include serving as Executive Director for the Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry, as well as for the Publicity Club of Chicago, the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, and Chicago Women in Government Relations. Biederman is also a former Planning and Zoning Commissioner and Trustee for the Village of Niles. Prior to that, Biederman served as the Operation Manager for the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), serving as the organization’s Chief Event Planner for AAOMS’ annual conferences and workshops. In her new role, Biederman will serve as the primary liaison between the Village of Antioch and local businesses, working to retain existing businesses, attract new investments, and promote economic development initiatives. “I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the Village of Antioch,” said Biederman. “I look forward to working closely with the community to create a vibrant and thriving local economy.” While Biederman focuses on local business, Communications and Event Specialist Kelley Crimmins is charged with enhancing resident engagement and awareness through digital marketing campaigns, community events, town halls, and other public events. Serving in a similar capacity for the City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department in Plano, Texas, Crimmins’ background also boasts a decade of experience as a news reporter before entering public service. “Transparency promotes accountability and provides information about what their government is doing, something many Americans expect from their local leaders. Working together with stakeholders and our residents, I hope to build upon the Village’s reputation of excellence and engagement, and look forward to forming positive relationships with our community and its residents in the process,” she said. Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner says is he is excited to announce the addition of the two new team members who will play key roles in advancing economic development and fostering stronger community engagement. “Welcoming Kim and Kelley to our team represents an exciting step forward for the Village of Antioch,” said Gartner. “Their combined expertise will be instrumental in continuing the village’s forward momentum of local economic growth, enhancing communication, and deepening engagement with our residents and business community.” ### Contact: Kelley Crimmins Communications & Event Specialist, Village of Antioch, kcrimmins@antioch.il.gov

2024 Village Leaf Vacuuming

By Jim Morgan • December 5, 2024
The Village of Antioch’s Fall leaf vacuuming starts soon and runs throughout November. Here are some things to know: Exact pick-up dates will vary depending on the weather. Residents should rake their leaves to within five feet of the edge of the road for vacuuming. Groot trucks will be in different areas of the village on different days of the week to vacuum leaves. Leaves will not be picked up if they are too wet and heavy; in that case, pick up will be delayed. If you are concerned about leaves blowing back into your yard, or if you worry that you might have missed a pick-up, you may still use labeled yard waste cans/bags for your leaves. Groot will collect them during regularly scheduled garbage day (Thursday) for the village. If you have any questions, please call Village Hall at 847-395-1000 or Groot at 877-404-668.

Request for Qualifications – Municipal Engineering Servicesrating our North Pole Train program this year. Orders provid

By Jim Morgan • December 5, 2024
The Village of Antioch Wastewater Treatment Facility, with a design average flow of 2.0 MGD and design maximum flow of 9.2 MGD, is experiencing ragging and other fibrous material bypassing the existing screening equipment, causing issues with downstream equipment and processes. The current fine screen is a 16-year-old Lakeside Raptor with a compaction and dewatering system. The bar screen size is ¼ inch. The Village is seeking to upgrade its existing mechanically cleaned cylindrical Fine screen equipment with technology that can produce a better capture rate of the material. This project will be divided into two phases. In phase one, the select firm will provide the Village with assessments, recommendations, and a detailed cost analysis of the solution. In phase two, the engineering firm will prepare the bid package, which will include the equipment and various contractors and subcontractors. The firm will assist the Village with overseeing the installation of the new Fine Screen equipment, ensuring the project will come either at projection cost or below and providing seamless installation of the equipment. Please click here to review the entire request for qualifications.

North Pole Express Hoodies – Now on Sale!

By Jim Morgan • December 5, 2024
The Antioch Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Impressions Count in Antioch to offer Sweatshirts and Hoodies for sale celebrating our North Pole Train program this year. Orders provide the option of picking up at Impressions Count on Main Street in Antioch or by shipping. Just click on the type of shirt you’d like, create an account and order a great keepsake of a cherished holiday memory! Buy here: https://schools.impcount.com/

Employment Opportunity – Full Time Parks & Recreation Administrative Assistant

By Jim Moran • December 5, 2024
Parks & Recreation Administrative Assistant POSTED ON NOVEMBER 20, 2024, AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Overview: The Village of Antioch is a community of approximately 15,000 people and is located on the Illinois-Wisconsin border halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago at the northwest corner of Lake County. The Village of Antioch is seeking a qualified, and team-oriented applicant for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Parks Department. The lists of responsibilities listed below are not all inclusive. The role may transition to an expanded Administrative Assistant role, with a potential relocation to the Village Hall in the near future. • Performs routine clerical, administrative and customer service duties • Answers incoming calls and reroutes as necessary • Schedules park pavilion and pool rentals • Cashier responsibilities related to processing transactions, balancing cash drawer daily • Distribute mail and manage postage machine • Ordering office supplies • Processing program registrations. • Assist with Parks programs and events • Establish and maintain files • Other administrative duties as assigned Qualified applicants will develop and maintain a positive community image, provide exceptional guest services, and maintain safe working conditions. Knowledge of community events and festivals, principles and methods of office management and standard office procedures is required. A full position description is available upon request. Qualifications: High school diploma or GED Equivalent required. Minimum one (1) year of schooling including secretarial courses and work-related experience required. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential job functions of this position. Salary & Benefits: The minimum hourly range is $19.88 dependent on qualifications, and an excellent benefits package is available. How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a completed application (available on our website); cover letter, resume and three work-related references to: Village of Antioch Attn: Lori Romine, Human Resources 874 Main St Antioch, IL 60002 Or email to: lromine@antioch.il.gov Equal Opportunity Employer: The Village of Antioch provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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