(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Forest Preserve District of Will County is the new owner of a nature center and trout farm in Bolingbrook.
The Will County agency recently purchased the 33-acre Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm for $2.7 million from the Bolingbrook Park District.
The property is located near the preserve’s 249-acre Whalon Lake preserve. A DuPage River Trail boardwalk connects the two sites.
“When combined, the Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, Whalon Lake preserve and the DuPage River Trail will provide dozens of program opportunities,” Executive Director Ralph Schultz said in a news release. “Almost all our programs and events are free to the public and we’re thrilled at the chance to bring additional programming closer to home for the residents of Bolingbrook and surrounding communities.”
The Bolingbrook Park District was looking for ways to reduce its long-term bond and interest debt, according to the news release. Park District Executive Director Ron Oestreich said the sale to the Will County agency would guarantee the property would be cared for.
Both features of the newly acquired property will reopen later this year, officials said. Hidden Lakes Trout Farm consists of four fishing ponds.
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