The Village of Southern View is going to be able to update playground equipment thanks to over $280 thousand in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant money. “With this funding, we will be able to make much-needed updates to the playground equipment that has been falling apart for years,” said Village of Southern View President Mike Patsche. “Playgrounds are vital to building a sense of community, especially in smaller ones like ours. Thanks to Senator Doris Turner’s efforts, the children in our area will be able to enjoy the park and just be kids.”
Nearly $55 million in grants was awarded to 111 local parks across Illinois including $140,000 to the City of Taylorville, $600,000 for the Taylorville Park District, $600,000 for the Village of Modesto in Macoupin County, and $300,000 for City of Litchfield.
“Investments into our local parks build up our community and neighborhoods, especially in disadvantaged areas,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a lifelong resident of Springfield, we are fortunate enough to have a variety of parks here and across the 48th District. I have seen the benefits residents get from our parks, and I look forward to seeing the projects through for all to enjoy.”
This is the 37th year for the program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 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. The program has awarded nearly $85 million for park projects throughout Illinois.