Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have announced $36 million in grants to support 67 local park projects across Illinois. The funding is designed to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program.
Gov. Pritzker emphasized the significance of investing in underserved areas, stating, “As Governor, I’m committed to building stronger, healthier communities in Illinois.” He added that the OSLAD program is vital for revitalizing outdoor spaces and providing new recreational opportunities for families throughout the state.
Since its establishment in 1986, the OSLAD program has awarded $675 million for park projects in Illinois. This year, 20 economically distressed communities received a total of $11.4 million in grants.
Southern Illinois Grant Recipients:
City of Flora: Flora accessible park redesign project – $344,800
Du Quoin (Perry County): $125,622 to upgrade Thelma Pettiford Park with new playground equipment and a walking track
Village of Cambria: $196,849.50 to upgrade James Mohan Memorial Park, including improvements to the walking path, basketball court, and converting the tennis court into pickleball courts