KANKAKEE- With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is distributing nearly $3 million in grant funds to multiple communities in the 40th District as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.
“The funds from the OSLAD grants are a great resource for our communities so improvements can be made to parks and other outdoor spaces to continue to make them useful for folks,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Not only does this investment help keep our outdoor areas appealing, it continues to build up and maintain spaces for people to visit for safe, public outdoor recreation.”
A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.
OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. This year, the 40th District will receive funding in these local areas:
- Chicago Heights Park District- $600,000
- City of Kankakee- $600,000
- Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve District- $207,750
- Village of Monee- $600,000
- Village of University Park- $200,000
- New Lenox Community Park District- $600,000
“These outdoor areas and recreational facilities have shown to promote growth among individuals, as well as the community, environment and the local economy,” said Joyce. “I will continue to always support the OSLAD grant program so our park districts and natural resource preserves in Illinois can continue to thrive.”
For more information about the OSLAD grant program and to see a full list of recipients, visit DNR’s website.
