SE Illinois News

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have announced over $2.3 million in Open Space Land Acquisitions and Development (OSLAD) grants for the 59th Senate District. The grants aim to enhance outdoor spaces and local parks, providing opportunities for the community to enjoy modernized and inclusive recreational areas.

According to Senator Fowler, "Investing in our outdoor spaces and local parks is a great opportunity to enrich the lives of many seeking a new modernized all-inclusive space for all. The OSLAD program not only invests in parks and recreation, but it also fosters a healthier, happier community for all."

The OSLAD program, established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, is a cost-sharing initiative between state and local governments. It aims to support land acquisition and development for outdoor recreation. This year, a total of $54.9 million in OSLAD grants were awarded to 111 projects across the state.

In the 59th Senate District, several projects have been selected for funding:

1. Carbondale Park District – $600,000: This project aims to replace the current playground structures at Crispus Attucks Park, making it accessible and inclusive for people of all ages. It will also include the installation of accessible playground surfacing.

2. City of Hurst – $586,000: The grant will be used for the rehabilitation of an existing baseball field and related facilities. It will also involve creating improved parking areas, installing new playground equipment, fitness equipment, a pickleball court, picnic pavilion, walking/biking path, disk golf course, gaga pit, and lighting and native landscaping.

3. City of Mound City – $599,800: This project focuses on providing an ADA accessible walking path, connecting sidewalks throughout the park. It will also involve the construction of an ADA accessible parking area. Upgrades to playground equipment, the addition of a new playground structure and ground cover pad, replacement of a dilapidated basketball court, and the installation of new benches are also included.

4. Village of Elkville – $574,400: The grant will be used for the renovation of existing baseball and softball fields, along with associated facilities. It will also involve the improvement of accessible parking areas, renovation of an existing pavilion, installation of a pickleball court and play area, extension of the walking/biking path, and the installation of new lighting and landscaping.

The OSLAD program has a 37-year history of supporting park projects across the state, providing over $585 million in funding. A full list of projects and the amount each community is receiving can be found [here](link).

These grants will undoubtedly contribute to the development and improvement of outdoor spaces, promoting physical activity and well-being in the 59th Senate District.