Senate Republicans Push to Prioritize Accessible Park Projects

A new proposal would help more Illinois kids and families, especially those with disabilities, enjoy local parks by giving grant priority to projects that go above and beyond accessibility standards, without costing taxpayers more.

Senate Bill 3016, introduced by Senator Don DeWitte, updates the state's Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program to prioritize grant applications for park projects that exceed federal accessibility standards. When demand for OSLAD funding surpasses available dollars, projects designed for broader and more inclusive use would receive priority consideration.

Since its creation in 1986, the OSLAD program has distributed approximately $640 million for park acquisition and development throughout the state. SB 3016 does not alter the size of the funding pool. Instead, it directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to give greater consideration to projects that expand access for children and families of all abilities when reviewing grant applications.

SB 3016 is awaiting action in the Senate State Government Committee.