Frankfort Park District Awaits State Agreement on DCEO Grant Amid Public Interest

Frankfort Park District Meeting | September, 2025

Article Summary: Frankfort Park District commissioners are fielding questions from residents about a state grant, with some suggesting the funds be used for the Founders Center, while the district awaits an official agreement from the state. Executive Director Gina Hassett clarified that the grant, intended for master planning, cannot be finalized until the state sets a budget and provides the necessary paperwork, addressing commissioners’ concerns about a potential loss of funds.

DCEO Grant Status Key Points:

• Park district commissioners have received numerous comments from residents regarding a state grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

• Some residents have asked if the funds could be used for repairs or improvements at the Founders Center.

• Commissioner Elmer Gentry cautioned that the funds could be “swept” by the state if a grant agreement is not signed soon.

• Executive Director Gina Hassett responded that the district is waiting on the state, which has not yet set a budget for the grant or sent an agreement to be signed.

Frankfort Park District officials on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, discussed the status of a state grant that has generated significant public interest, clarifying that the district is in a holding pattern while it waits for the state to act.

During the commissioners’ comments portion of the board meeting, several members noted they had received feedback from the community about the grant, which is from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Commissioner Tom Ruvoli stated that he received “a lot of comments from people regarding the grant and wanting to know if any of the money can be used for fixing the Founders Center.”

Commissioner Elmer Gentry echoed that he had also heard questions and comments about the funds. He expressed a sense of urgency, cautioning that the money could be “swept” by the state if an agreement isn’t finalized. A “sweep” refers to a process where state-allocated funds that are not formally obligated by a certain deadline can be reclaimed and redirected by the state for other purposes.

“FPD needs to sign the Grant Agreement ASAP,” Gentry urged.

In response, Executive Director Gina Hassett clarified the district’s position, explaining that the process cannot move forward without action from the state. “Gina responded that the budget isn’t set yet and the State has not even responded to her or sent an agreement,” the meeting minutes stated.

The DCEO funding is intended to help the park district develop its master plan. Earlier in the meeting, Hassett mentioned she would be attending a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) conference to “get ideas for the master plan using the DCEO funding.” She also has meetings scheduled with affiliate groups on September 22 and 23 to gather further feedback for the plan.

While some residents hope the funds can be redirected, the clarification from Hassett indicates the district’s hands are tied until the state provides the official agreement and budget, which will likely stipulate the specific uses for the money.