A 162-acre park, restored prairie and recreational facility is in the works for La Salle.

The proposed La Salle Rotary Park would be near the northwest corner of U.S. 6 and Interstate 39. Illinois Cement Company is donating 110 acres of former mining land to be developed as a restored prairie, with walking paths, pavilions, observation decks, a visitor center and 20-acre stocked lake open for public fishing and possible paddle boat and canoe rentals. The lake is already present.

The remaining 52 acres are to be purchased, possibly with a grant, a process not expected to be done until spring. The 52 acres will be developed with seven ball diamonds, two soccer fields, sledding and skiing areas, playgrounds — including a playground tailored for children with disabilities — picnic areas, a dog park and amphitheater for such events as concerts.

A stretch of the Vermilion River also will be incorporated into the park.

The La Salle Rotary Club is spearheading the project and paying the costs so far. An architectural student at the University of Illinois, Tony Morelli of Ottawa, is working with the club to design the grounds. A 15-member committee, formed three and a half years ago, is in charge of the project.

La Salle attorney and committee member Gary Gearhart pointed out there is no open amphitheater with seating in central Illinois, noting the planned site for the park's amphitheater has "perfect" natural acoustics. Gearhart added the concession area will be the hub of the park, with overhangs to provide shelter from rain for large groups of people.

Development will be done in stages, with completion possibly taking 25 years. The first elements to be established — in about three years — are walking, running and bicycling paths, a dog park and a ball diamond, Gearhart said.

Gearhart said the goal is to provide more and better recreational opportunities, as well as to consolidate activities in the La Salle area with a multi-dimensional park.With La Salle having annexed property in recent years to the east, the site is in the dead center of La Salle boundaries.Former La Salle Mayor Art Washkowiak also was instrumental in getting the development off the ground.

"Things are amazingly positive. It's going to happen," Gearhart said. "We're optimistic grants will pay for most of it." He was not sure of the entire exact cost.

The final product will be impressive, being the setting is already striking, in Gearhart's view.

"You feel you're in a different world there. It's like a Scottish glen."