Hastings encourages municipalities, park districts to apply for IDNR grant

State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging park districts and municipalities in the 19th District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.

“Some places become more than parks, they become gathering places where memories are made, friendships are formed and communities grow stronger,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).

“We have made great steps recently with Fort Frankfort and Schussler Park. I am excited to see what comes next here in the 19th.”

This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants.

Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District

IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more.

Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.

OSLAD is a matching state grant program that offers monetary assistance for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has awarded over $675 million for local park projects across the state.

“Some of my best memories in the community have come from just taking my kids out to the park,” said Hastings. “I highly encourage all municipalities and park districts in the South Suburbs to jump on this opportunity and get your requests in.”

The application is open now and closes on Aug. 31. More information can be found here.

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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