The Galva Park District in Illinois has been awarded a $600,000 state grant through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The funding will support major upgrades at the district’s parks, including new fencing, improved lighting, and concrete around the baseball and softball fields, as well as enhancements to batting cages. Plans also include installing an ADA lift at the pool, renovating tennis and pickleball court surfaces, and updating park amenities like trash receptacles, grills, and drinking fountains. Sidewalk repairs and a new 950-foot walking path are also part of the project, aiming to foster greater access and recreation for the community.
“The Park District was thrilled to be one of the recipients of the 2025 OSLAD grant.” Said Doug Anderson, Superintendent at the Galva Park District. “These funds will help renovate deteriorating infrastructure that will allow the GPD to continue to meet it’s community’s needs.”
The funds will be used to:
Update the chain-link/backstop fencing around the baseball/softball fields
Update lighting and concrete around the baseball/softball fields
Upgrade the batting cages
Add an ADA lift to the pool
Renovate the flooring base of the tennis/pickleball courts and tennis court shelter
Add new trash receptacles, grills, drinking fountains, and trees
Fix aging sidewalks in need of repair
Add an additional walking path of approximately 950′ in the south field
“Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by awarding over $36 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”
Illinois communities are set to benefit from a major investment in local parks. Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has announced $36 million in funding for 67 communities through the OSLAD grant program. Established in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing initiative supporting park development and outdoor recreation across the state. The program remains highly popular, enabling cities and towns to acquire land and improve facilities. With this latest round, OSLAD grants have distributed a total of $640 million statewide, helping ensure accessible outdoor spaces for residents and promoting community well-being.