SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, Springfield and Decatur Park Districts received a combined total of $1 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“This funding will propel the long overdue improvements for our local parks,” said Turner (D- Springfield). “When parks in our community improve, it makes our community more appealing for all to enjoy.”

Turner’s continued support of funding for economically distressed communities has resulted in 29 underserved locations receiving $17.3 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program.

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.

More than $55.2 million in state grants are being awarded for 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.