The State of Illinois announced today that Oak Lawn Park District has been awarded a $600,000 matching grant as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition & Development Grant (OSLAD) to update Oak Meadows Park (99th & 51st Ave.)
The project at Oak Meadows includes updating the current asphalt trails, softball field, playground, basketball court, and water fountain. Additionally, the following amenities will be added:
- Soccer Field
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Bird Habitat
- Shelter with lights and picnic tables
- Benches
- ADA game tables
- Bike racks
Oak Lawn Park District held two Community Input Meetings and incorporated feedback from those meetings into the design. Additionally, the proposed path that loops around the park fills a need that is consistently ranked high by residents as a result of our Community Needs Survey.
One of the best parts of this project is the improvements to the natural areas of this park, said executive director, Tom Hartwig. The bird houses, rain garden, and pollinator garden will provide biodiversity support, habitat restoration, stormwater management, education, nesting opportunities, predator protection, and pest control.
Nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities, Gov. JB Pritzker announced today.
I m proud of our team that put this grant together and am once again thankful for the State of Illinois, with support from the Illinois Association of Park District for their continued effort in improving our parks and facilities across the state, said Hartwig. We re excited to get started on this project, along with the other projects we ve received grants for in the last year.
Work on this project will most likely begin in early spring of 2025 and completed by mid-summer the same year.
