Elburn, Elgin and Sugar Grove to Receive Local Park and Recreation Project Funding

Park Districts in Elburn, Sugar Grove and Elgin are among a handful of Kane County communities to receive grants under the state's Open Space Lands and Development (OSLAD) plan. 

The OSLAD program, a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It's become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. 

In the most recent round of funding projects in the following Kane County communities received grants:

Sugar Grove Park District – $600,000

Village of Elburn – $446,100

City of Elgin – $600,000

St. Charles Park District – $600,000

Fox Valley Park District – $600,000

City of Aurora – $600,000

Huntley Park District – $509,500

According to the Village of Elburn, they are going to use the money to upgrade existing parks including Liberty Park and Prairie Park. The village says Prairie Park is one of the oldest parks and was selected for a refresh and additional features, including a band shell, workout equipment, and new playground equipment. The Village solicited public input for what Elburn residents want to see at Prairie Park. 

In Sugar Grove, the Park District will use the grant to redevelopment Black Walnut Park.  The proposed plans include renovation of the playground, basketball courts, picnic shelter, and the woodlot, also adding a multi-generational plaza. 

The Huntley Park District put out a release that said it was going to use the OSLAD funding to cover half of the cost of the upcoming renovation of Weiss Park.  The renovation plan includes a new playground, a zip line feature, paved walking paths, enhanced skate park amenities, and a basketball court. Additionally, the gazebo will be refurbished, baseball diamond backstops replaced, and the bathroom facilities will be updated with vandal-resistant fixtures.