Grants help Illinois cities develop parks
State grants worth nearly $55 million have been awarded to 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities under the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, or OSLAD. The program, now in its 37th year, is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
OSLAD was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986 and is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities finance land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its inception, OSLAD has awarded nearly $585 million for park projects throughout Illinois.
Local cities that received grants include:
Henry County
The City of Kewanee received $600,000.
Knox County
The City of Abingdon received $600,000.
The City of Galesburg received $500,000.
Stark County
The City of Toulon received $600,000 for the renovation of the city park, including adding a splash pad; resurfacing the half basketball court and adding an adjustable hoop for use by multiple age groups; updating the full-size basketball court into a multi-use court for basketball, tennis and pickleball; installing a sign language panel and disabled-accessible playground equipment and adding exercise equipment for all ages.
“An investment in the outdoors is an investment in the health and well-being of the people of Illinois,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “We know that 83% of Illinoisans consider access to outdoor recreational opportunities important for them and their families. And studies show time and again that getting outside leads to better overall health.”
“OSLAD is one of the state’s most significant grant programs. For more than 30 years, it has raised the quality of life in communities throughout Illinois,” said Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
