Palatine Park District receives $400,000 Oslad Grant

Palatine Park District is excited to announce that it was selected as a grant recipient for the 2020 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) award program. The $400,000 grant award is designated for renovation of Maple Park.

The grant award provides nearly half of the capital monies needed to renovate Maple Park. Due to its high traffic, old age and dated amenities, Maple Park was identified in the District's 2015 Comprehensive Plan as a high-need redevelopment.

With improved accessibility, new features and a native plant area, Maple Park will be undergoing a major facelift. Mike Clark, Executive Director, stated, "This matching fund program is a win-win for all involved."

Maple Park is one of 85 local projects Governor JB Pritzker announced Friday encompassing a total of $29.7 million in grant funding. Because of this generous grant program, districts all over Illinois can complete complex projects that otherwise could've been negated due to lack of funds. "[Thanks to the OSLAD Grant] the Park District will be able to implement the full master site redevelopment plan for residents and visitors alike to enjoy for generations to come," said Clark.

Maple Park is in the east region of Palatine, surrounded by a residential neighborhood. Preliminary plans have been laid out and the district will welcome competitive bids in Fall of 2020. As with previous playground projects, the District will ask the community to vote on equipment features and color schemes. Improvements slotted for Maple Park include improved connections to Palatine Trail along with trailhead amenities, a new shelter, new Playground, outdoor fitness amenities, and new pavement for the basketball courts and parking lot.

The OSLAD grant program is funded by a federal grant program call PARC. PARC Grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the OSLAD program.

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable, and affordable parks, programs, and recreational facilities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors while being fiscally responsible stewards of community assets and tax dollars.