Plans for a 162-acre park on La Salle's east side moved closer to reality last week.

Gary Gearhart, one of the organizers of the project, said the state is providing a $436,000 matching grant to pay for half the price of 52 acres. The adjacent Illinois Cement Company is donating another 110 acres. The land is at the northwest corner of Interstate 39 and U.S. 6.

Plans include a restored prairie area, a stocked lake, recreational facility, playing fields and amphitheater. The La Salle Rotary Club is spearheading the project.

— Dan Churney