CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci highlighted the start of construction on a new inclusive special recreation area that will serve people of all abilities – funded in part with a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that Faraci strongly supported.
“Open Space and Land Acquisition Development funding is essential not only for improving our communities’ local infrastructure, but also for ensuring residents have access to reliable outdoor recreation areas,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am proud to support the OSLAD program to continue securing state funding for projects in East Central Illinois, providing our community members with accessible, safe green spaces for families with a range of needs to enjoy.”
Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation was awarded a $600,000 OSLAD grant for the All Abilities Activity Hub, which will be an accessible outdoor space that prioritizes inclusion for people of all ages and abilities. The space will offer opportunities for educational and clinical therapies — including recreational, physical and occupational therapy — and will feature accessible parking and driveways, specialized playground equipment, and other amenities for people with and without disabilities. Construction is set to begin this summer.
The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus has prioritized the creation of grants like OSLAD to promote the health and well-being of residents across Illinois and provide opportunities to expand and improve local neighborhood parks and recreational spaces.
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.
