CHAMPAIGN – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Paul Faraci, two Champaign County Park Districts have received over $1.1 million combined from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“This funding is critical for encouraging healthy lifestyles and revitalizing our communities, allowing residents to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities by improving our local infrastructure,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Not only will these projects create jobs in our area, helping to stimulate our economy, but they will also ensure our outdoor recreation areas are accessible and safe for community members.”

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

In Faraci’s district, the Urbana Park District was awarded $600,000 to assist with King Park revitalization efforts, ensuring it can continue to serve the community as a pivotal spot for recreation and family activities. Additionally, the Rantoul Park District was awarded $526,500 to support park upgrades and enhance facilities.

“This round of OSLAD grants represents long-awaited projects from the smallest villages of rural Illinois to Chicago and the suburbs,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources 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 [IDNR] is able to play a small part in helping communities thrive.”

For more information on OSLAD grants, visit IDNR’s website.