Sen. Patrick Joyce Encourages Local Governments to Apply for $37.5 Million in Illinois Park Grants (Kankakee, IL) – State Sen. Patrick Joyce is encouraging municipalities and park districts throughout the 40th Senate District to apply for funding through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program.
The program is offering $37.5 million in grant funding this year to help communities acquire land and improve public parks and outdoor recreation facilities across Illinois.
“Everyone in the community benefits when parks are kept in good shape,” said Joyce, D-Essex. “I encourage all those in the 40th District with projects in the works to apply before the coming deadline.”
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, eligible applicants may receive funding for projects such as constructing or renovating playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing piers, sports fields and courts, walking paths, and other recreational amenities. Communities designated as underserved may qualify for grants covering up to 90% of eligible project costs.
Joyce also encouraged communities that experienced severe weather damage to their parks to pursue the funding.
“Our region in particular has seen some pretty devastating weather recently,” Joyce said. “This is a perfect opportunity to rebuild what was lost.”
The OSLAD program is a matching grant initiative that provides financial assistance for acquiring and developing land for public parks and outdoor recreation. Since its creation in 1986, the program has awarded more than $675 million to support local park projects throughout Illinois.
Applications for this year’s grant cycle are currently being accepted and must be submitted by Aug. 31.
Additional information about eligibility requirements and the application process is available through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Sen. Patrick Joyce Encourages Local Governments to Apply for $37.5 Million in Illinois Park Grants
