Waukegan, Illinois (December 17, 2024) – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced that the Waukegan Park District has been awarded $600,000 through the State of Illinois’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program to assist in the renovation of Roosevelt Park, located at 520 S. McAlister Avenue. Roosevelt Park will be transformed with a multi-age, inclusive playground, an innovative basketball play court, and improvements to surfaces which will make areas more accessible. The new amenities focus on increasing access to play for individuals of all abilities.

Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, the OSLAD Program is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its establishment, the OSLAD Program has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

Acquired on July 10, 1917, Roosevelt Park is the first park established by the Waukegan Park District and was recently expanded with the acquisition of two adjacent properties on McAlister Avenue. The Waukegan Park District and Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan opened the Adaptive Recreation Center, located at 540 S. McAlister Avenue in Roosevelt Park. The facility was formerly vacant and has been renovated into programming space designed for individuals with disabilities.

In his announcement, Governor JB Pritzker stated, “Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois. 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.”

Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is grateful to receive $600,000 from the State of Illinois to financially support a critical project in the community. The new inclusive playground and improvements at Roosevelt Park will provide a safe and fun environment for children of all abilities to play together.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District appreciates the financial support from the State of Illinois and Governor JB Pritzker. With plans to make the new amenities at Roosevelt Park more accessible, the renovation will be a great improvement right outside the Adaptive Recreation Center. The project will impact the lives of many individuals, especially families seeking accessible outdoor recreation opportunities.”