Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced more than $55.2 million in grant funding was awarded to 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.
For the third year in a row, the governor ensured funding was set aside for economically distressed communities, resulting in 29 underserved locations receiving $17.3 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program. Governor JB Pritzker, says that since he became Governor, his goal has been to build stronger, healthier communities across the state and through the OSLAD Program, they are bringing that vision to life by awarding over $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces, and creating new recreational opportunities for everyone.
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the awards announced today).
“For 35 years, the OSLAD grant program has provided Illinois communities with critical matching grant funds enabling them to promote healthier lifestyles and improve the quality of life for their residents while boosting local economies and positively impacting the environment,” said Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. “We are very grateful to Governor Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly, and Director Finnie for recognizing the OSLAD program’s overwhelming benefits by ensuring that these dedicated grant funds are awarded for much needed park improvement projects that assist communities throughout Illinois.”
Irving in Montgomery County saw $600,000. Decatur Park District in Macon saw $400,000 and in Sangamon County , Springfield Park District, Loami, and Riverton all saw $600,000 grants.
