DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy is urging communities across the 28th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“By investing in our local parks, we can create spaces that foster happiness, health and memorable moments,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I encourage local agencies to apply for the OSLAD program to invest in our local parks so that our communities can continue to enjoy them for years to come.”

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.

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