Mokena Park District Seeks Nearly $1 Million State Grant for Yunker Barn Renovation

The Mokena Park District is seeking nearly $1 million in state funding to help transform the historic Yunker Park Barn into a year-round facility.

Executive Director Greg Vitale announced at the June 27 board meeting that the district has completed and submitted its Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant application. The district is requesting a cash match of $946,500, which represents about half of the total estimated cost for the ambitious renovation project.

“The application included over 250 total pages,” Vitale noted in his executive report, highlighting the extensive effort involved. He also thanked state legislators and other government entities who provided letters of support for the application.

The renovation aims to convert the barn into a modern space for programs and meetings, which would greatly expand its utility beyond seasonal use. Vitale explained that while the PARC grant program funds many pools and community centers, the district feels it has a strong case for its historic barn project.

“The Park District thinks it has a good case,” he said during the meeting. “Most of the applications will be for pools and community centers like The Oaks, but they can’t have many barn projects and projects on a historic farm.”

A public input meeting regarding the renovation plans was held in May to gather community feedback, which is a key component of the state grant application process. The district will be notified at a later date if its application is successful.