ParkARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie is proud to announce that local parks have received nearly $1.1 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.

“Our park districts offer recreational and green spaces for our neighbors to enjoy and contribute to what makes our community a great place to live,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “These matching funds will help improve the outdoor spaces we have available and preserve them for years to come.”

OSLAD is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and helps communities acquire open space and develop and improve recreational facilities. OSLAD grants cover up to half of a project’s costs and must be matched by grant recipients. A total of $30.3 million was disbursed to 87 parks across Illinois this year.

Local park districts in and around the 27th Senate District received $1,075,000 in funding through OSLAD and include the following:

  • Des Plaines Park District, outdoor nature lab and play park
  • Mount Prospect Park District, Rosemary S. Angus Friendship Park
  • Prospect Heights Park District, East Wedgewood Park