old playground equipmentGLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in announcing the City of Evanston and Wilmette Park District will each receive $600,000 in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants to assist with ongoing improvements to recreational services.

“The OSLAD grant program continues to support local park districts in giving back to their communities,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The investment into our local parks will allow more residents to enjoy the beautiful areas around the district.”

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 becoming one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

More than $55.2 million in state grants are being awarded for 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.