State Senator Doris Turner helped secure nearly 200-thousand dollars for upgrades and improvements at Lake Springfield Center Park.

The funding will help pay for a new public boat dock and canoe launch, along with several infrastructure improvements at the park. Turner said the investment will help bring new life to the community while creating more opportunities for residents to enjoy Lake Springfield. She added that projects like this help build a stronger foundation for the community.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded four grants totaling nearly 670-thousand dollars through the Illinois Boat Access Area Development Program. The grants are designed to help local governments create and improve boat and canoe access areas on lakes and rivers across Illinois.

The Lake Springfield Center Park project will include construction of a walking path connecting the parking lot to the new dock, installation of a motorboat dock and canoe launch with 12 boat slips, parking lot improvements aimed at accessibility and safety, and additional trailer parking.