South Central Illinois Regional
Planning & Development Commission

The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. The federal Land & Water Conservation Fund program (known as both LWCF and LAWCON) is a similar program with similar objectives. Both are managed in Illinois by the Department of Natural Resources with concurrent application due dates, equal grant maximums and similar general rules.

Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or tots too large community and county parks and nature areas. The state program is financed by a percentage of the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax. The federal program is financed nationally by revenue from OSOD leases.

Applications are evaluated and prioritized for funding assistance based upon recreation priorities and criteria identified in the Department's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Lands acquired with OSLAD or LWCF funds are required to be operated and maintained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation.

Examples of Eligible Projects Include:

The Acquisition of land for:

• new park sites or park expansion;
• water frontage;
• nature study; and
• natural resource preservation

Development/Renovation of:

• picnic and playground facilities;
• outdoor nature interpretive facilities;
• sports courts and play fields;
• swimming pools, beaches and bathhouses;
• campgrounds and fishing piers;
• winter sports facilities;
• park roads and paths, parking, utilities and restrooms; and
• architectural/engineering (A/E) services necessary for proper design and construction of approved project components.

For more information please contact the office at 618-548-4234.