DANVILLE – The City of Danville is among the 100 recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants distributed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Senator Paul Faraci announced Thursday.

“Our parks and outdoors spaces are vital for providing families and friends with areas to gather and connect,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This funding ensures Garfield Park will continue to be a source of activity and fun for future generations to enjoy.”

More than $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. In Faraci’s district, Garfield Park in Danville is set to receive $600,000 through the OSLAD program for revitalization efforts.

Established by the General Assembly in 1986, 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 has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment 38 years ago, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

“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.”

For more information about the OSLAD grant program and to see a full list of recipients, visit IDNR’s website.