Improvements to the pond area at Marilla Park in Streator are scheduled to begin this fall and be completed in the spring.

The Streator City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution to award the $164,818 construction contract to Groundworks Contracting, Inc.

City engineer Jeremy Palm said the bid was lower than the estimated project cost of $245,232.

The project includes the installation of gabion baskets, a new walkway, picnic shelters and resurfacing of the parking lot, and is funded by a $219,900 Open Space Acquisition and Development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

These additions aim to allow for more recreational activities in Marilla Park and make the pond an option for activities such as fishing and ice skating.

On other topics:

• approved the zoning change for the property located at 600 N. Vermillion St. The property will be rezoned from “R1-B” (single family) to “M-1” (light industrial) under Title 17 of the Streator Municipal Code of Ordinances Zoning Code. This change is intended to allow for new development opportunities in the area.
• approved a modification to a facade grant for 115 E. Main St. The modification, originally approved for $15,000 on Jan. 17, allows for the replacement of the upper facade windows with painted windows.