From JB Pritzker:
Pritzker Administration awards $36 million in grants for local park projects
SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced $36 million in grant funding was awarded to 67 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants were awarded through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program.
For the fourth year in a row, the governor ensured funding was set aside for economically distressed communities, resulting in 20 underserved communities receiving $11.4 million in OSLAD grants this year.
“As Governor, I’m committed to building stronger, healthier communities in Illinois. My administration continues to make critical investments that support underserved areas, and we’re proud to bring new recreational facilities and expanded green spaces to communities through the OSLAD program,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From playgrounds and walking trails to pickleball courts and native landscaping, we’re investing millions to revitalize outdoor gathering spaces, strengthen local communities, and offer new recreational opportunities to Illinois families across the state.”
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments which 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 $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the awards announced today).
“This round of OSLAD grants represents long-awaited projects from the smallest villages of rural Illinois to Chicago and the suburbs,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “There is an impressive amount of work, creativity and ambition that goes into planning new outdoor recreational facilities, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is thrilled to play a small part in helping communities thrive.”
“For more than 36 years, the OSLAD program has helped establish Illinois as a national leader in parks and recreation by investing in park and recreation agencies that consistently accomplish a great deal with limited resources,” said Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. “Park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts and recreation agencies stretch every dollar to preserve open space, drive local economic opportunity, and provide safe, accessible, reliable places for Illinoisans to play, exercise and connect with nature. And at a time when demand for parks and open spaces has never been higher, OSLAD funding is critical to ensuring a strong, sustainable future for these vital community assets and destinations.
“We commend Governor Pritzker and members of the General Assembly for recognizing and supporting the essential role that IAPD member agencies play in enhancing the quality of life in communities throughout Illinois,” Murphy added.
McHenry County’s share is
- Village of Algonquin, Willoughby Farms Park – $600,000
- Huntley Park District, Project Horizon, phase 1 – $600,000
Other awards can be found here.
