OSLAD grants have helped Illinois communities develop safer and healthier recreational spaces.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the state-financed Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants. This cost-sharing grant program between the state and local governments helps Illinois communities acquire and develop land for public parks and recreational spaces. Whether it is a small neighborhood park or a large nature area, your municipality or park district can receive funding assistance of up to 50% on approved projects.
The OSLAD grant program was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986. Since, nearly $585 million has been invested in projects across Illinois. With this funding, communities acquire open spaces, develop or improve park facilities, and protect, manage and restore natural areas and wildlife habitats.
This post discusses what to know about application deadlines, some Illinois counties that were OSLAD grant recipients and how Fehr Graham can help your municipality or park district secure funding for your next project.
What to know before applying for the OSLAD grant
State grants totaling $54.9 million were awarded to 111 local park and recreation projects in January 2024. Thirty-two economically distressed communities have received $18.7 million in grants from the OSLAD program.
The OSLAD grant cycle for fiscal year (FY) 2025 is open and will accept applications until Sept. 13, 2024. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process. You should meet the pre-award requirements before submitting your application before the deadline. This table outlines what you need to know before applying.
Key information about the OSLAD grant |
Application deadline |
Sept. 13 is the application deadline for the OSLAD grant cycle FY 2025, which started July 1, 2024. Applications must be submitted through the Amplifund Grant Management System. No other form of submission is allowed or eligible. |
Funding information |
The total program funding is $54 million. Grant awards are limited to a maximum of $1.125 million per acquisition project and $600,000 for development projects. Funding assistance of up to 50% of approved project costs can be obtained.
The OSLAD program will provide 100% funding for distressed communities in 2025. |
Applicant Eligibility |
OSLAD assistance is available only to municipalities that can acquire and develop land for public park and recreation purposes. School districts are not eligible. |
Eligible projects |
Eligible projects are:
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Land acquisition for new park sites or park expansion, natural resource preservation, nature study and water frontage.
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Renovation or development of picnic/playground facilities, sports courts and playfields, swimming pools, beaches and bathhouses, outdoor nature interpretive facilities, winter sports facilities, campgrounds and fishing piers and architectural services for proper design and construction of approved project components.
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Applications submitted without required documentation will not be considered for funding, and submitting incomplete applications does not extend the deadline. Partnering with an expert like Fehr Graham can help you complete the application and submit it by the deadline.
Wondering how to secure OSLAD grants?
At Fehr Graham, we are committed to helping municipalities create safer, healthier and happier communities. Our expertise and knowledge of funding solutions help us determine your community's eligibility for OSLAD grants, meet pre-award and post-award requirements, and ensure successful outcomes. The following table highlights some Illinois neighborhoods where we have helped secure OSLAD grants and complete funded projects.
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OSLAD funds secured by Fehr Graham for communities |
Community |
Funding |
OSLAD project |
Fox Valley Park District, DuPage County |
$600,000 (Second OSLAD grant in 2024) |
Additional funding will further the efforts to enhance the Blackberry Crossing Park. |
$600,000 (First OSLAD grant in 2023) |
The first phase of improvements was implemented at Blackberry Crossing Park. Fehr Graham created a comprehensive Master Plan for the site, with proposed Phase I improvements. |
Village of Davis Junction, Ogle County |
$600,000 (Second OSLAD grant in 2023) |
The Master Plan proposed developments to the additional land of the Community Park in Davis Junction. |
$100,000 (First OSLAD grant in 2022) |
10 acres were acquired to expand the Community Park |
Freeport Park District, Stephenson County |
$400,000 (OSLAD grant in 2020) |
The Master Plan to revitalize the Oakdale Nature Preserve was implemented. |
$400,000 (OSLAD grant in 2013) |
The funds were used to improve Krape Park:
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Black Hawk Park District, Jo Daviess County |
$100,000 (Second OSLAD grant in 2022) |
Additional funds furthered the implementation of an ADA-compliant pool house at Meridian Park. |
$400,000 (First OSLAD grant in 2020) |
The grant helped fund Meridian Park Swimming Pool improvements, including the construction of a $2.8 million pool to replace the one built in 1977. |
With our expertise and experience in securing funding, you can create safer and healthier recreational spaces in your neighborhood.
To learn how Fehr Graham can help your community secure OSLAD grants, contact us or give us a call at 815.235.7643.
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Fehr Graham Senior Community Development Specialist Bridgette Stocks serves as the principal contact for all funding-related programs, navigating complicated rules and regulations to secure maximum dollars. She is a vital partner when it comes to strengthening communities to provide resilient and critical infrastructure. Her success speaks for itself – she has secured more than $200 million for Fehr Graham clients. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. |
