The State of Illinois announced that the Oak Lawn Park District has been awarded a $600,000 matching grant as part of this year’s round of Open Space Land Acquisition & Development Grants (OSLAD) to update Lake Shore Park, located at 9610 E. Shore Dr.
The project at Lake Shore Park will feature a new pollinator-themed playground with structures for 2-5 year-olds and 5–12-year-olds, a zip line, rock climbing boulder, and a “we-go-swing.” Additionally, the following amenities will be included:
- Resurfaced tennis and pickleball courts
- Updated asphalt walking path with new StoryWalk stations
- New “Bankshot” accessible basketball game with hoops at various heights
- New outdoor classroom and lake overlook complete with a ping-pong table
- New butterfly garden and interpretive signage with native plants and wood steppers
- Fitness Zone with adult fitness equipment, shade/seating area, and drinking fountain
- New game patio with ribbon shade structure that includes baggo, music play and painted games.
- Painted games area with three types of hopscotch
“We are ecstatic to be including a lot of the amenities that were brought to us from community feedback,” said Tom Hartwig, executive director. Lake Shore Park is a beautiful area that sits tucked off 95th St., and we can’t wait for people to visit with all the new features.”
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) awarded a total of $55.2 million to 100 communities for local park development projects as part of the latest round of OSLAD grants.
“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 $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, 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 $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the awards announced Monday).
“We have been very fortunate to receive the number of grants we have, and I credit our team for the hard work they put into the submissions,” “said Hartwig. “We are grateful for the continued support of our local legislators that continue to spread our message of the importance of parks and recreation and the impact it has on our communities.”
Work is slated to be completed in 2026.
Lake Shore Park Master Plan: Master Plan PDF
