SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) have announced the award of $36 million in grants for 67 local park projects statewide, including significant investments in Champaign, Iroquois, and Coles counties.

A total of $2.7 million in funding from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program will help enhance and develop recreational spaces in these central Illinois communities.

• Champaign Countywill receive $1.7 million for several improvements:

  • Champaign County Forest Preserve District has been awarded $600,000 to improve the Homer Lake Nature Center, enhancing the site as a gateway to outdoor recreation for the community.

  • Rantoul Park District will receive $526,500 to support park upgrades and community engagement through enhanced facilities.

  • Urbana Park District has secured $600,000 for the King Park revitalization, ensuring it remains a hub for local recreation and family activities.

• Iroquois County will see a $600,000 grant for the City of Watseka to improve Chicago Street Park, expanding outdoor facilities for residents in the underserved community.

• Coles County will benefit from a $600,000 grant to develop a bicycle-focused outdoor recreation facility at Momentum Park in Mattoon. This project is designed to serve youth and families, with features like pump tracks and skills trails, alongside an accessible plaza and natural playscape.

Since its creation in 1986, the OSLAD program has awarded over $675 million to support the development of parks and outdoor recreational spaces across Illinois, with this latest round marking a significant boost to local infrastructure and community wellbeing.

These grants are part of a broader effort to ensure that every Illinois resident has access to safe and accessible recreation spaces. The Pritzker administration has continued to prioritize investment in economically distressed communities, which makes the OSLAD program especially beneficial for underserved regions.

The OSLAD program remains one of the most popular funding sources for park development, and its continued success reflects the state’s commitment to preserving open space and supporting local recreational projects across Illinois.