Archaeological Finds at Krape Park

Freeport, Illinois - An archaeological find could put Freeport`s Krape Park on the National Register of Prehistoric Places. New findings suggest that hundreds of years ago the land we now call Krape Park may have been home to Native Americans. During a survey by the state`s Historic Preservation Agency archaeologists unearthed about 170 artifacts. According to Freeports Park District Executive Director the findings include arrowheads and lots of chert - a rock resembling flint - which is evidence of a tool-making process used by American Indians. The findings come as no surprise to the Park Districts Executive Director. "It`s well documented that Native Americans had inhabited this area for years," said Jack Carey. "And it comes as no surprise to us that the crown jewel in our system was once a park for Native Americans as they traveled through this area." The digs were required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as part of a request for a state grant to make improvements to the park. "We applied and received the Open Space Land Acquisition Development Grant and part of the process is a review from the states historic preservation folks," said Carey. "Part of that process is hiring a firm to do an archaeological dig and probes through the park to find if theres anything significant there." While the findings may put the park on the map as a prehistoric place, it is not yet clear what it means for the park`s planned 1.2 million dollar renovation project. "That report has been submitted to the state and were waiting to hear back from them as to what the next step in the process is," said Carey. Several pieces of the park renovation project have been given the green light, including a pedestrian bridge over yellow creek, the realignment of the park`s main roadway and a parking lot extension.