West Park Awarded OSLAD Grant

Monday, December 16, 2024

On December 16, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced that more than $55.2 million in grant funding was awarded to 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities, including $600,000 in funding for the Glencoe Park District's West Park. 

“Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by awarding over $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces, and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”

The proposed improvements to West Park include a baseball/softball field with artificial turf infield and new dugout structures, a small baseball field with grass infield and improved spectator seating areas, two pickleball courts, a picnic shelter, an accessible walking path, a bocce ball court, a shuffleboard court, game tables, and rain gardens with interpretive signage. Invasive buckthorn will be removed and replaced with native plant screenings. These improvements will provide Glencoe residents with various recreational opportunities that will endure for generations.

Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, 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 $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the awards announced on December 16).

“This round of OSLAD grants represents long-awaited projects from the smallest villages of rural Illinois to Chicago and the suburbs,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “There is an impressive amount of work, creativity, and ambition that goes into planning new outdoor recreational facilities, and I’m delighted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources can play a small part in helping communities thrive.”


“For 35 years, the OSLAD grant program has provided Illinois communities with critical matching grant funds enabling them to promote healthier lifestyles and improve the quality of life for their residents while boosting local economies and positively impacting the environment,” said Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. “We are very grateful to Governor Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly, and Director Finnie for recognizing the OSLAD program’s overwhelming benefits by ensuring that these dedicated grant funds are awarded for much-needed park improvement projects that assist communities throughout Illinois.” 

During the grant application process, the Park District thoroughly vetted West Park plans with multiple community input meetings. The District plans to start construction at West Park this year. 
 
"The OSLAD grant funding is a testament to the collective effort to create healthier, more vibrant communities, enrich the lives of residents, and provide recreational opportunities for years to come," said Lisa Sheppard, Executive Director of the Glencoe Park District. "Implementing this grant will have a direct and positive impact on the residents of Glencoe, enhancing their access to recreational facilities and activities, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable lifestyle for the community."