FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging local organizations throughout the South Suburbs to remember to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants before the Aug. 31 deadline.

“Our local parks serve as cornerstones of our communities,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is crucial that we continue to look for ways to make investments in our parks and the OSLAD program is a great way to do that. I hope our local agencies are sure to take advantage of this wonderful program.”

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.

“Our parks, trails and green spaces add value to our lives, homes and communities,” Hastings said. “It is important that we continue to look for ways to expand and further invest in our community’s infrastructure to create spaces we can all use and enjoy.”

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