Budzinski Celebrates Funding for Local Park Improvements

Local park districts and communities in Central Illinois are receiving new state funding for park and recreation improvements following grant application workshops organized by the office of Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski.

On Monday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) brought together park district leaders from Springfield, Champaign, and Grandview to recognize the successful award of funding through Illinois’ Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program. Her office hosted a series of workshops in recent months to help local organizations and municipalities identify grant opportunities and navigate the application process.

“Amidst all the uncertainty surrounding federal funding under the Trump Administration, we’ve had to get creative to ensure our communities receive the resources they need,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “That’s why my team, along with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources launched a series of workshops to assist local organizations and municipalities in applying for state funding opportunities. These grants will help upgrade Springfield’s Lake Springfield Center Park, build a sports complex in Grandview, support a new nature center at Champaign’s Homer Lake, and more. We look forward to continuing these workshops and seeing what other resources we can bring home.”

Local park officials said the funding will support significant improvements to recreational spaces.

“This OSLAD grant is a tremendous win for our community. This investment will allow us to breathe new life into Dreamland Park creating a vibrant, modern space where families can gather, children can play, and residents of all ages can enjoy the outdoors for generations to come,” said Derek Harms, Executive Director of the Springfield Park District.

Sarah Sandquist, Executive Director of the Champaign Park District, also highlighted the value of the collaboration.

“We appreciate Congresswoman Budzinski’s office for bringing local park districts together with IDNR to discuss the OSLAD program and support future park and open space projects,” Sandquist said.

The OSLAD program is a state-financed grant initiative that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition and development of land for public parks and open space.

Grants awarded to projects in Champaign and Sangamon counties include:

• Champaign County Forest Preserve District, Homer Lake Nature Center – $600,000

• Rantoul Park District – $526,500

• Urbana Park District, King Park revitalization – $600,000

• Village of Grandview, Grandview Sports Complex – $600,000

• City of Springfield, Lake Springfield Center Park – $600,000

• Springfield Park District, Dreamland Park redevelopment – $600,000