SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging park districts and municipalities in the 48th District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.
“Local parks make our communities beautiful while providing space for families to enjoy the outdoors,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have made historic investments in our local park districts that will have a lasting effect on our neighborhoods.”
This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more.
Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.
OSLAD is a matching state grant program that offers monetary assistance for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has awarded over $675 million for local park projects across the state.
The application is open now and closes on Aug. 31. More information can be found here.
