West Central Reporter

Senator Neil Anderson shared information with his constituents and followers about the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program and its application availability. "The OSLAD Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space," he stated in a June 10 Facebook post.

"Applications are now being accepted for the OSLAD Program," said Anderson, State Senator, according to Facebook. "The OSLAD Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. All applications must be submitted by 5:00pm, September 13th."

In his Facebook post, Anderson shared a link to a news release from the state regarding the application period for local park development grants. According to the news release, OSLAD is a matching program that can provide up to 50% of the grant award as an advance payment for development projects to local agencies that apply for the grant program. A total of $54 million is available for this round of grants, and for projects in economically distressed areas, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will cover 100% of eligible project costs.

Scrreenshot of Sen. Neil Anderson's July 10 Facebook post | State Senator Neil Anderson's Facebook page.

Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has been a cost-sharing program between state and local governments and is one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. The program has awarded more than $585 million for park projects throughout Illinois since its inception. It is funded through a percentage of Illinois' Real Estate Transfer Tax. IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said in a July 1 news release about the program, "I encourage any community that is considering a park development or improvement project to apply for an OSLAD grant. Parks and green spaces are the heart of our neighborhoods and communities. Everyone belongs in nature. An investment in the outdoors is an investment in the health and well-being of the people of Illinois."

The distressed communities list for 2025 projects includes, but is not limited to, Albion Park District, Benton Park District, Carbondale Park District, Chicago Heights Park District, Galva Park District, Champaign County Forest Preserve District, DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, Alexander County, Bond County, Champaign County, DeKalb County, Peoria County, and Winnebago County.

Senator Neil Anderson has served the people of the 47th District since 2015. He grew up in the Quad City area and worked in his family business installing floors before walking on to join the University of Nebraska football team. After earning his paramedic license, he joined the Moline Fire Department where he continues to work.