Lake County Gazette

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has announced the release of almost $60 million in grant funding to help local governments develop public parks and open spaces.

"This means that places needing renewal and restoration like the city of Cairo, Illinois, which is a recipient of their first ever OSLAD grant, will be able to improve their parks and their green space," Pritzker said at a recent appearance in Springfield, quoted by the Daily Herald.

With more than 20% of the funds designated for "distressed" communities as determined by the area's poverty levels, the money is set to come from Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants, the Herald said. Grants have been distributed to 118 projects, with all but one ranging from $102,800 to $600,000 per grant.

Approximately 59% of the grants have been directed to the Chicago area, including Cook and its five surrounding counties. A total of 46 counties will get new projects. A minimum of $12.5 million of the more than $59 million in total funding will go to distressed communities.

Pritzker made the announcement at a park in Springfield that will get $600,000 through the Springfield Park District to demolish an outdoor pool and build a modern splash pad and pool facility. Other projects include the city of Benld in Macoupin County, which will receive $600,000 for the site of its former elementary school that was destroyed in 2009 by sinking due to an underground mine.