Lake County was awarded $3.9 million in state grant funding for local park projects, part of statewide efforts to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that more than $55.2 million in funding was awarded to 100 local park projects as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.
The Lake Bluff Park District was awarded $293,300, and the Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Antioch, Fox Lake, Waukegan and Wauconda park districts were awarded $600,000 each.
In a press release, Pritzker said it was his mission, “to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois” through the OSLAD program.
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments helping communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois, including the most recent allocations.
“This round of OSLAD grants represents long-awaited projects from the smallest villages of rural Illinois to Chicago and the suburbs,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “There is an impressive amount of work, creativity, and ambition that goes into planning new outdoor recreational facilities, and I’m delighted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is able to play a small part in helping communities thrive.”
Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts, praised the 35-year-old grant program for promoting “healthier lifestyles” and improving the quality of life for residents, while also aiding the environment and local economies.
