Metro East Sun

State Senator Erica Harriss has announced that two communities in the 56th District will receive $1 million in grant funding for park and recreation projects. The funding comes from the state's Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Senator Harriss expressed her excitement about the investments in parks and recreation facilities, stating, "The Metro East has a rich history of connecting people to nature and it's exciting to see these new investments in our parks and recreation facilities close to home. As a mom especially, I find great pride in finding outdoor spaces for both mental and physical activities."

A total of $54.9 million in grants was awarded to 111 projects across the state this year. The OSLAD program, which was established in 1986 by the Illinois General Assembly, is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments aimed at funding land acquisition and development for outdoor recreation.

In the 56th Senate District, two projects will receive funding:

1. Granite City Park District - $500,000 will be allocated to the Wilson Park Inclusive Playground. The project aims to build an inclusive playground on the existing park playground area. This will involve the construction of an asphalt layer to support a synthetic surface and the purchase of ADA accessible playground equipment.

2. Madison County Mass Transit District - $500,000 will be used for the MCT Formosa East Trail. This separated Class I bikeway will eventually connect the City of Troy to the MCT Goshen Trail and the 138-mile MCT Trails system. The OSLAD funds will allow the acquisition of 8 acres of land for the construction of the trail from the existing trail to US 40. In a subsequent phase, a bike-ped bridge will be constructed over US 40, connecting to the MCT Silver Creek Trail and the City of Troy.

The OSLAD program has a long history of supporting park projects across the state, having provided over $585 million in funding over the past 37 years. A full list of projects and the amounts communities are receiving can be found [here](link to list).

This grant funding will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the communities in the 56th District, providing residents with improved outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation. Senator Harriss' announcement highlights the importance of investing in parks and recreation facilities for the well-being of individuals and communities.