South Elgin awarded $600K grant to improve Tredup Park
The village of South Elgin recently announced that it has been selected to receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state of Illinois for improvements to Ralph E. Tredup park along South Lancaster just south of Valley Forge Avenue.
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded a total of $55.2 million to 100 communities for local park development projects as part of the latest round of OSLAD grants.
“Since I became governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by awarding over $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”
Established by the Illinois General Assembly 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. It has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois.
Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the most recently announced awards).
On Sept. 12, the village submitted a grant application. Three months later, the Parks & Recreation Department has learned South Elgin was one of 100 applications approved for funding. The village will receive $600,000 in matching funds to renovate Ralph E. Tredup Park.
Based on feedback from two community meetings, the park improvements will include: a new playground structure with zip line, shelter, concrete ping pong table, raised bed and ground level garden plots, a trail linking Arlington Lane residents to the park, and more.
Watch the village newsletter and website for additional details in the coming months regarding timelines, park features, renderings and more.