BURBANK – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Mike Porfirio, the 11th District received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements to Sedgwick Park.

“Our local parks are vital to recreation, community development and our health,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “These OSLAD grants keep our parks accessible, modernized and safe for the entire community to use.”

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.

The $600,000 grant will contribute to a larger, coordinated effort to enhance Sedgwick Park in La Grange. The project includes multi-purpose athletic fields, baseball field improvements, parking and restroom upgrades, expanded path connections, and infrastructure enhancements. Together, the OSLAD-funded elements and the larger project work in tandem to modernize the park, improve accessibility, and expand recreational opportunities for the community.

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for awarding this OSLAD grant to the Park District of La Grange,” said Jenny Bechtold, executive director of the Park District of La Grange. “This funding supports planned improvements at Sedgwick Park and represents an important investment in our community.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.