Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have announced the allocation of over $55.2 million in grants to 100 local park projects across Illinois. The funding aims to assist communities in acquiring land and developing recreational facilities. This year marks the third consecutive year that economically distressed communities have been prioritized, with 29 such locations receiving $17.3 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program.

Governor Pritzker emphasized his commitment to enhancing community well-being through these initiatives: "Since I became Governor, it's been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois," he stated. He added that the OSLAD program is instrumental in realizing this vision by expanding green spaces and recreational opportunities.

The OSLAD program, established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, operates as a cost-sharing initiative between state and local governments. It has awarded a total of $640 million for park projects since its inception. Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director of IDNR, expressed enthusiasm about this year's grant distribution: "This round of OSLAD grants represents long-awaited projects from the smallest villages of rural Illinois to Chicago and the suburbs."

Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts, highlighted the importance of these funds: "For 35 years, the OSLAD grant program has provided Illinois communities with critical matching grant funds enabling them to promote healthier lifestyles."

Several specific projects were highlighted among this year's recipients:

- In Calhoun County's village of Hamburg, a $599,150 grant will fund a new riverside park featuring an elevated boardwalk for river viewing.

- Rockford Park District received $600,000 for renovations at Harkins Aquatic Center.

- The Village of New Haven plans to use its $482,400 grant for constructing a new community park.

- Riverton will expand Field of Dreams Park with its $600,000 award.

Village officials from these areas expressed gratitude for the funding and outlined plans for development aimed at improving community life.