CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign Park District has been selected to receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois. This funding will be used to create the All-Abilities Activities Hub, a new inclusive play area at the CUSR Center located in Centennial Park.
The grant is part of a larger $55.2 million investment from Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which awarded funding to 100 communities statewide for local park development projects. These grants aim to enhance green spaces and create new recreational opportunities for all residents.
“Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” Governor Pritzker said. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by expanding green spaces and creating new recreational opportunities for everyone.”
The OSLAD program, established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, has become one of the most successful grant programs in the state. Over its nearly 40-year history, OSLAD has awarded $640 million in funding for park projects across Illinois, including the latest round of grants announced in December 2024.
The Champaign Park District’s grant will fund the development of the All-Abilities Activities Hub, an outdoor space designed for individuals of all abilities. The hub will prioritize inclusivity and provide opportunities for educational therapies, clinical activities, and community engagement. The space will also feature exercise and play equipment, encouraging physical activity and connection with nature.
“This project will be transformative in making Centennial Park and the CUSR Center more accessible for everyone,” said Sarah Sandquist, Executive Director of the Champaign Park District. “The All-Abilities Activities Hub will foster inclusivity, safety, and community engagement in one of our most cherished local parks.”
The new space will be located directly north of the CUSR Center at 2212 Sangamon Drive, with a projected completion date of May 2027.
In addition to the All Abilities Activities Hub, the grant will fund the construction of a circle drive for bus pick-up and drop-off in front of the CUSR Center, as well as accessible pathways and walking paths to the exercise and play equipment. These improvements are expected to increase pedestrian safety along Sangamon Drive during peak traffic times.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the Champaign Park District, Urbana Park District, City of Champaign, and Unit 4 School District.
For more information about the Champaign Park District and the CUSR Center, visit champaignparks.org.