The Executive Director reported ongoing development of the Heroes Village sensory garden, including a recent kickoff planning meeting with Wight & Company on May 12 to discuss Phase 2 details for program elements, funding, and schedule. Staff have also met with Miracle Recreation to gather quotes for potential sensory play items and are coordinating with the New Lenox Lions Club, which has designed its own shed for visually impaired users. A $20,000 grant has been confirmed specifically for Karen’s Shed within Heroes Village, and the Lions Club has donated $15,000 toward the project, indicating active but still evolving funding.While Wight & Company and Miracle Recreation are engaged for planning and equipment quotes, the broader Phase 2 implementation, construction, and additional sensory equipment packages may still require procurement. Vendors in playground equipment, sensory/therapeutic environments, landscape construction, and grant-funded project management can help shape specifications, phasing, and accessible design solutions as Phase 2 is defined.

Heroes Village includes multiple components such as Karen’s Shed and a Lions Club shed for the visually impaired; design and funding planning for Phase 2 are active.