The Village of Bellmont today announced that it has been selected to receive a $600,000.00 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois. The grant is for Renovation of the Existing Bellmont Village Park.
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) 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’s 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 awards announced today).
Plans for the park improvements include: handicapped accessible parking, restrooms, walking paths, playground equipment, picnic tables and grilling stations. In addition the park will be adding an improved basketball court, new pickleball/tennis court, disc golf, open area where soccer, croquet, volleyball and other outdoor games can be played and environmental enhancements including bat houses, bird houses and wild flower garden to attract and encourage native species of plants and animals to the park to enjoy and improve the quality of life.
The park is centrally located between Edwards, White and Richland counties and is easily accessible for residents of those counties in addition to Wabash County. When park improvements are finished the park will be a place where family reunions, 4-H and scout troops, church groups and others can meet to enjoy the enhancements. The park rehabilitation is meant to encourage all area residents to exercise and appreciate nature. The park is located on the east side of Bellmont where the old Wabash County fairgrounds was formerly located.
Funds for the project are entirely provided by the grant.
Bellmont Mayor Linda Johnson is delighted that the grant has been awarded and hopes that the ability to bring the improvements to the Bellmont Village Park will bring not only Bellmont residents but also residents from nearby towns, including people from Albion, Grayville, Mt. Carmel and Olney to enjoy the park and facilities.