Benld gets $600,000 grant to build a new park

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday announced the release of nearly $60 million in grant funding to help local governments develop public parks and open spaces, over 20 percent of which will go to “distressed” communities.

The money through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants was distributed to 118 projects, all but one ranging from $102,800 to $600,000 per grant. The allotment to “distressed” communities – which are determined by an area’s poverty level and land value – is a roughly five-fold increase from the previous fiscal year. In addition, for the first time in the history of the program, funding will cover 100 percent of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities, resulting in 22 underserved locations receiving OSLAD grants.

“We know that 83 percent of Illinoisans consider access to outdoor recreational opportunities important for them and their families. We also know that getting outside leads to better overall health,” said DNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.

The City of Benld, in Macoupin County, will build a park on the site of former Benld Elementary School, which was destroyed by underground mine subsidence in 2009. The city will receive a $600,000 OSLAD grant to develop that park.

In Madison County, Madison County Mass Transit District will receive $388,000.

OSLAD grants typically provide up to 50 percent of funding for a project – excluding economically distressed communities where 100 percent of project costs have been covered. The other 50 percent are supplied by matching funds from the project’s local government agency.

OSLAD capital improvements projects create jobs, support small businesses and labor, promote physical and mental health, help educate and provide jobs to youth, and improve the environment. As IDNR staff can attest, there is an overwhelming demand for these projects, and today’s grants will once again enable local parks to make Illinois a better place to live, work, and play.”