$600,000 Grant to Fund Improvements at Oak Lawn Park (Chicago, IL) – The Oak Lawn Park District will receive a $600,000 state grant to support upgrades at Centennial East, thanks to advocacy from State Sen. Preston.
The funding comes through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, a cost-sharing initiative between state and local governments that helps communities purchase land and improve parks and outdoor recreation facilities.
“Community parks are a key pillar to the health of a city and a child’s enrichment,” Preston, D-Chicago, said in a statement. “This investment will build on our efforts to provide safe, holistic and modern public spaces for the people of the Sweet Sixteenth District. The 16th District is rich with parks and green space, and I will continue investing in these beautiful places so families can enjoy them for generations to come.”
The $600,000 grant will be used to make improvements at Centennial East, one of Oak Lawn’s most heavily used parks. Specific project details have not yet been released, but park officials say the funding will support meaningful upgrades for residents and visitors.
“We are incredibly grateful for Senator Preston’s support in helping us secure this grant, which will allow us to make meaningful improvements at one of Oak Lawn’s most popular parks,” said Tom Hartwig, executive director of the Oak Lawn Park District. “This investment enhances the quality of life for our residents and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our community spaces for families, children, and visitors for years to come.”
The OSLAD program is one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois, providing funding for park and recreation projects across the state. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded about $675 million to communities for land acquisition and park development.
More information about the OSLAD program is available through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
$600,000 Grant to Fund Improvements at Oak Lawn Park
