County Of DuPage

AGREEMENT BETWEEN DuPAGE COUNTY AND VILLAGE OF WESTMONT LEADS TO RESTORATION OF MUDDY WATER PARK

WHEATON, IL— An intergovernmental agreement forged two years ago between DuPage County and the Village of Westmont has led to the restoration and revitalization of the pond at Muddy Water Park, DuPage County Board Member Kyle Gilgis announced on Wednesday.

DuPage County awarded the Village of Westmont with a $30,300 grant on June 14, 2005, as part of a Water Quality Improvement Intergovernmental Agreement between DuPage County and Village of Westmont to restore the Muddy Water detention pond and to improve the water quality of the pond and the neighboring St. Joseph Creek in Muddy Waters Park.

“The success in revitalizing the Muddy Water Park pond is an example of what can be accomplished when the County and municipalities work together,” said Gilgis (District-3). “The greatest gift we can leave future generations is a clean and healthy environment, which benefits us all.”

Westmont Mayor Bill Rahn notes a combination of factors, including development in the area, an over population of geese and fertilizers from nearby golf courses and residential lawns leading to the high level of pollutants in the pond, required the need for this project.

“Muddy Water Park is a place where residents can reconnect with nature and spend quality time with their family,” said Rahn. “That is why it was so important to restore the pond, so we could ensure a safe and clean environment for those who like to enjoy spending time at the park.”

With the grant secured by the County, the Village of Westmont and the Westmont Park District restored and naturalized the pond at Muddy Water Park using native plantings, natural materials and a man-made wetland zone. Rahn notes that “the success of this restoration is currently being used as an example for the Village of Westmont to promote water quality and natural resource education to the residents that visit the park on a daily basis.”

The total cost to restore the pond was $151,500. In addition to DuPage County’s contribution, the Westmont also received $82,200 in funding for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) 319 Grant Funding Program. The restoration project was completed on January 1, 2006.

To learn more about DuPage County, and what projects are being done to ensure a healthy and clean environment, please visit www.dupageco.org.