The City of Centralia has received a $43,000 OSLAD grant to make improvements to Laura Leake Park.
Economic Development Director Derek Sherman says the city will use the money along with a $43,000 match from the city to construct a new 50 by 30 foot shelter in Laura Leake Park. The pavilion was selected by the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee after a public hearing. Sherman says because of limit city match money being available, they had to go with a smaller project.
Sherman says the new metal structure will replace an older shelter that only covers half of the concrete pad.
Statewide, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced more than $55.2 million dollars in grants to 100 local park projects throughout the state. Established 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.
Sherman also reports some of the equipment has now been ordered to a $600,000 inclusive playground improvement project at Fairview Park funded by an OSLAD grant last year. Two 12-foot towers that are ADA accessible and a Fit Core Obstacle Course have been ordered and are expected to arrive in January.
He reports Ameren needs to remove a pole that is in the way of the project before work can begin. Sherman hopes the project can be completed in the early part of next year.
