SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski gathered park district leaders Monday in Springfield to highlight new state grant funding supporting park and recreation projects in Champaign and Sangamon counties.
The funding comes through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program, commonly known as OSLAD, a state-financed program that helps local governments acquire land and develop public parks and open spaces.
In recent months, Budzinski’s office hosted workshops with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help local governments and organizations identify and apply for grant opportunities.
“Amidst all the uncertainty surrounding federal funding under the Trump administration, we’ve had to get creative to ensure our communities receive the resources they need,” Budzinski said. “That’s why my team, along with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, launched a series of workshops to assist local organizations and municipalities in applying for state funding opportunities.”
Several projects in central Illinois will receive funding through the program:
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Champaign County
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Champaign County Forest Preserve District – Homer Lake Nature Center – $600,000
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Rantoul Park District – $526,500
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Urbana Park District – King Park revitalization – $600,000
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Sangamon County
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Village of Grandview – Grandview Sports Complex – $600,000
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City of Springfield – Lake Springfield Center Park – $600,000
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Springfield Park District – Dreamland Park redevelopment – $600,000
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Local park leaders said the funding will help expand recreational opportunities for residents.
“This OSLAD grant is a tremendous win for our community,” said Derek Harms, executive director of the Springfield Park District. “This investment will allow us to breathe new life into Dreamland Park, creating a vibrant, modern space where families can gather, children can play and residents of all ages can enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.”
Sarah Sandquist, executive director of the Champaign Park District, said the collaboration helped local districts navigate the grant process.
“We appreciate Congresswoman Budzinski’s office for bringing local park districts together with IDNR to discuss the OSLAD program and support future park and open space projects,” Sandquist said.
State officials say the OSLAD program continues to provide funding assistance to local governments across Illinois for park development and conservation efforts.
