KANKAKEE – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Kankakee area received a combined total of $1.59 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“Investing in our local parks and community centers always seems to pay dividends,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These are places that bring communities closer together and make residents proud to call their city home.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

The city of Braidwood received $600,000 to begin a new town center project. Improvements include walking trails, a band shelter, splash pads and pavilions.

“This is an exciting day for Braidwood, as this investment will benefit families, support community events and strengthen Braidwood for generations to come,” said Braidwood Mayor Todd Lyons. “I would like to thank our local and state legislators along with our staff for all their hard work and support on this project.”

The city of Kankakee received $990,000 to make improvements to the West Riverwalk, a developing pedestrian and bike trail system along the Kankakee River.

“This OSLAD grant allows the City of Kankakee to continue the development and beautification of one of our most valuable assets, the Kankakee River. Investing in our riverfront and creating open public spaces provides residents and visitors with healthy outdoor parks and environments that bring people and the community together,” said Kankakee Mayor Christopher Curtis. “This $990,000 investment grant in the West Riverwalk, coupled with our ongoing multi-phased design and construction projects for the East Riverwalk, Legion Park, and Riverfront Trail Phase III within the riverfront master plan, is improving quality of life for our residents and strengthening connections throughout our neighborhoods. The City of Kankakee is grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Governor Pritzker, and Senator Joyce for investing in the Kankakee River and our community.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.