Money helps communities acquire and develop recreational opportunities
Senator Dale Fowler is proud to announce more than one million dollars in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to communities in the 59th District.
“The OSLAD program has a longstanding history in our state and serves as a positive tool to help enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for our local communities,” said Senator Fowler. “Southern Illinois is known for its rich history in helping connect people to the great outdoors and this funding will further our investments in nature.”
The City of Cairo has plans to make improvements to St. Mary’s Park including renovations to the baseball field, bathroom facilities, tennis courts, new playground equipment and two new picnic shelters with new picnic tables and sidewalks.
The Village of Olmsted plans to create a campground at Lake Park with 10 electric hookup sites, install water and sewer systems necessary for the campground, create two concrete pads for shelters, purchase picnic tables and trash receptacles as well as oil and chip campground roadway surfaces.
“There’s no doubt both of these communities have been faced with economic issues and so I am thankful this administration acknowledges and realizes how grants of this size can truly make an impact on the livelihoods of members in these communities,” concluded Sen. Fowler.
In the 36-year history of the program, OSLAD has provided more than $530 million for park projects across the state. For a full list of projects and the amount communities are receiving, click here.