The City of Centralia has received a $600,000 state grant to create a new playground in Fairview Park while Central City will receive $599,600 for improvements to Lions Park.
The money is part of $54.9 million in Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD grants, awarded for 111 local park and recreation projects throughout the state.
Centralia Economic Development Director Derek Sherman says the new playground will be for those of all ages.
“Part of the playground is designed for the 0-5, another section from 5-12 and then another section designed for 13+. The idea behind that is you can take the whole family to Fairview Park and enjoy a beautiful day in Centralia.”
Sherman says once the grant is awarded they will have two years to complete the work.
Central City is planning a number of improvements in Lions Park. They include handicap accessible bathrooms, playground equipment, a new sidewalk, and a new concession stand.
Others receiving OSLAD grants include the City of Carlyle, City of Vandalia, and City of Nason $600,000 apiece, Village of New Baden $247,800, and the Aviston Park District $100,000.
For the second year in a row, the Governor ensured funding was set aside for economically distressed communities. This is the 37th year for the grant program.