CHICAGO ─ Thanks to strong support from State Senator Ram Villivalam, the 8th District received a combined total of $1.2 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.
“Local parks are an essential part of our community – connecting neighbors to nature and increasing recreational activity opportunities” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By investing into the future of our parks, we are ensuring residents continue to be a safe space for all to enjoy.”
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 Village of Niles was awarded $600,000 to build a Nature Nook including a rain garden, apiary, lawn space and a natural play area. Amenities built in the Nature Nook will support residents of all ages through spaces to gather, expanded educational opportunities and recreational activities.
Additionally, the Village of Morton Grove was awarded $600,000 for improvements to Prairie View Park. Funding will support replacing their aging playground with new, developmentally appropriate and ADA accessible equipment, improvements towards the parks’ pathway system and new signage for continued education highlighting local biodiversity.
“I look forward to the positive impacts that improvements to local parks has on our neighbors as we continue to support and invest into the future of our community,” said Villivalam.
Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.
