Beginning in 2027, when state grant dollars become available for local park improvement projects, priority will be given to proposals that incorporate inclusive designs and recreational opportunities for children of all ability levels, thanks to legislation that was signed into law Friday by Governor JB Pritzker.
Senate Bill 3016, sponsored by State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), is based on legislation originally introduced by State Representative Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen), who championed the effort to ensure Illinois park grants better recognize projects that go beyond minimum accessibility standards. While Representative La Ha’s proposal passed the House last year, it stalled in the Senate before reaching the Governor’s desk. DeWitte reintroduced the measure this year, helping advance the legislation through the Senate and to the Governor for his signature.
“Representative La Ha deserves tremendous credit for recognizing that our state can do more to encourage inclusive park design,” DeWitte said. “Her vision was simple but impactful, because when communities compete for limited grant dollars, projects that create opportunities for children of all abilities to play together should receive greater consideration. I was proud to help move her proposal across the finish line.”
The new law updates Illinois’ Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program to prioritize projects that exceed federal accessibility standards when demand for grant funding exceeds available resources. It does not increase state spending or expand the program. Instead, it directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to give additional consideration to projects that expand accessibility and inclusive recreation opportunities when evaluating grant applications.
“I’m grateful to Representative La Ha for her leadership on this issue and to everyone who worked to turn this idea into law,” DeWitte said. “This is a great example of how good ideas can succeed through collaboration, and Illinois families will benefit from more parks where every child has the opportunity to play, explore, and belong.”
Since its creation in 1986, the OSLAD program has awarded approximately $640 million in grants for park acquisition and development projects throughout Illinois.