Quinn puts $21.2 million toward state parks

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has announced $21.2 million in grants for 59 parks projects throughout the state.

Quinn says ten grants will go toward purchasing new land and 49 will fund development of parks.

The largest grant, $1.15 million, goes to the Cook County Forest Preserve District for the purchase of 77 acres where officials plan a trail and prairie restoration area. Another $750,000 grant will buy 98 acres in northern Illinois' Kishwaukee River Valley.

The Rockford Park District is slated to receive $400,000 toward construction of a Swedish design shelter and 4-acre dog park, among other projects.

The grants are part of the 2009 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program funded by the real estate transfer tax.