Quinn announces $12M in grants for parks projects
Gov. Pat Quinn says $12.3 million in grants have been awarded to Illinois communities to help build and improve parks and open spaces.
He made the announcement Saturday. Grants were awarded to 42 projects, including $400,000 to the Rockford Park District to develop a winter activity center and golf course and $400,000 to the Champaign Park District to develop Boulder Ridge Park.
Most of the grants are being funded by the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Three will receive federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The state program is funded through the real estate transfer tax. Grant recipients must contribute at least half a project’s total cost.