ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro is urging park districts and municipalities in the 22nd District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space land Acquisition and Development grant.
“Families in our community deserve a place where they can spend time together and enjoy the outdoors,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By investing in our parks, we invest in the children and families who use them.”
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.
“I encourage eligible parks in our community to apply for the OSLAD grant,” said Castro. “This is an opportunity to make improvements to our local parks which is essential for community connection and the well-being of residents.”
The application is open now and closes on Aug. 31. More information can be found here.
