ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie is urging agencies across the 27th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“An investment in our parks is an investment in our community, and we have seen the positive impact these grants have had on park districts within the 27th District,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “I encourage local agencies to take advantage of the OSLAD program to improve and preserve outdoor spaces we all can enjoy.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.