SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, the Springfield area received a combined total of $1.8 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“Our neighborhood parks are a part of our community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Investing in local parks provides a place for people to gather, enjoy and explore.”

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 $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

The city of Springfield received $600,000 to make improvements at Lake Springfield Center Park and the Springfield Park District received $600,000 to redevelop Dreamland Park.

"The Park District is grateful to Senator Turner for her consistent support in improving the quality of life for her constituents,” said Springfield Park District Board President Leslie Sgro. “This grant to upgrade Dreamland Park in Springfield will provide another generation the opportunity to make positive memories building on the already rich history of the park."

The Village of Grandview was awarded $600,000 to build an outdoor sports complex featuring two bocce ball and pickle ball courts, two soccer fields, a basketball court and a 5-foot-wide concrete walking path at the site. The park also will be graded for storm water prevention and have a fence around the north and east side.

“This project represents far more than new courts and walking paths. It represents opportunity, equity and investment in the people of Grandview,” said Village President Maria “Mia” Ray. “For a small, economically challenged community like ours, OSLAD funding is the difference between having a vision and being able to bring that vision to life.”

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