Pritzker Announces Major Funding for Parks Across Illinois

Local community parks and trails across Illinois will be getting upgrades thanks to a grant of over $36 million.

State Investment Targets Local Recreation Projects

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced that $36 million in grant funding has been awarded to 67 local park projects across the state, including several in northern Illinois.

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According to the press release, funding was distributed through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, which is a long-running state initiative designed to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.

Focus on Underserved Communities

For the fourth consecutive year, the state reserved a significant portion of the OSLAD funding for economically distressed communities.

This year, 20 underserved communities received a combined $11.4 million, reinforcing the administration's focus on equity and access to outdoor spaces. This targeted investment is intended to address the long-standing gaps in recreational infrastructure, according to state officials.

Projects Span Urban and Rural Illinois

According to IDNR, this year's grants support a wide range of projects, from playground upgrades and walking trails to pickleball courts and native landscaping.

These projects are planned in communities of all sizes in Illinois, including rural villages, suburban municipalities, and major urban areas.

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In the Rockford region, there are several park improvements planned for Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, and DeKalb Counties:

Winnebago County

Rockford Park District, Brown Park improvements – $600,000

City of South Beloit, Neighborhood Park at Nature at the Confluence – $600,000

Stephenson County

Freeport Park District, Krape Park improvements – $582,445.50

Ogle County

City of Rochelle, pickleball project – $237,000

DeKalb County

DeKalb Park District, Prairie Park – $400,000

Genoa Township Park District – $600,000*

Sycamore Park District, Reston Ponds Park, phase 2 – $477,900

(*Denotes a distressed community)

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Filed Under: Rockford News