Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local leaders and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced nearly $60 million in grants for local park projects throughout Illinois, including a grant award for renovations at Lancaster Park in Galesburg.
The City of Galesburg has been awarded $224,825 through an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant, which the city applied for in the fall of 2022. The scope of this project at Lancaster Park will include a modernized playground, picnic shelter, walking path, and 1/2 court basketball area. The proposed project is estimated to cost $450,000 and the grant will cover 50% of the cost, with the City of Galesburg funding the remaining cost of renovations.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Galesburg to develop a park which has been in need of an upgrade and will enhance the quality of life for citizens,” said Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We are thankful to have been selected for this opportunity, and recognize the value of maintaining a quality parks system for our community.”
Established in 1986, OSLAD is a grant program that offers cost-sharing between state and local governments to help communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation. This round of awards represents the largest allotment of OSLAD funding in the program’s history, with 118 park projects throughout Illinois awarded grant opportunities.
Lancaster Park, located at 100 Lancaster Street, is a one-acre neighborhood park, which currently includes a partially wooded site, playground, and seating area. The attached site plan illustrates the proposed renovations, which are anticipated to be completed in 2024. More information on City of Galesburg parks can be found on the city’s website.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
