Our stateline parks are getting a one million dollar spruce-up this summer.

Both Loves Park, and the Rockford Park District received grants to help make improvements to their playground areas. The money will allow the parks to make much needed renovations. Some of the redevelopment projects include sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a t-ball field, and even a 4-acre dog park. Park district leaders are excited about the changes.

"We know the importance of parks and recreations in every area of our community, and these two neighborhoods are gonna be the benefactors of the state funding, and a lot of private donations. It will help make there park and their neighborhood very friendly for them to use," said Tim Dimke Executive Director of the Rockford Park District.

Renovations to the Loves Park Playground and Olson Park are expected to be complete next year. However, statewide an estimated 59 recreational parks will benefit from 42.4 million dollars in grant money. It's part of the 2009- Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program.

For more information contact the Rockford Park District, 815-987-8800, or www.rockfordparkdistrict.org