Governor Edgar Visits Local Park Districts to Present State Grants

In January, Governor Jim Edgar toured the state and handed out more than $9 million in state grants for park and recreation projects.

Governor presents grant to Wheeling Park District

Accompanied by IAPD Executive Director Ted Flickinger during his tour of the collar counties. Edgar said during his presentations, "Local parks enrich the quality of life in these communities. They provide a place to enjoy the outdoors for area residents. Communities often need assistance in providing such facilities. These grants go a long way toward helping communities provide facilities that otherwise would not be available." The projects are funded by the state Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. The programs are administered by the Department of Conservation, and their funds must be used for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

The grant programs provide up to 50 per cent reimbursement of eligible costs incurred by local governments for approved recreational land acquisitions and development work. To qualify for a grant from either program, an agency must show a need for the project and an ability to carry it through to completion. Other factors include the agency's record in maintaining its other facilities, the degree of local planning involved and a project's ability to address regional and statewide outdoor recreation priorities.

Urbana Park District accepts OSLAD/LWCF grant from Governor Jim Edgar.

In announcing the recreation grant winners, Edgar used himself as an example to highlight the health benefits of exercise and recreational activity. Edgar stressed the importance of the recreational grant program by stating, " It's not a frill to provide recreational opportunities for our people. When looking at a community for its quality of life, individuals and businesses consider its recreational opportunities."

Arlington Heights Park District accepts their OSLAD/LWCF grant.

Governor Edgar presents grant to River Trails Park District.

Schaumburg Park District is recipient of an OSLAD/LWCF grant.

Illinois Parks & Recreation * January/February 1994 * 17