Ashton to receive $163K in state grant funding for splash pad project

DIXON – The Village of Ashton is receiving $163,175 in state grant funding to build a Vortex Splash pad.

The money comes from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state of Illinois. The splash pad project will be located on the AFC school grounds in Ashton, along Highway 38. The site also features a splash pad pavilion with restrooms and a kitchen that can be rented for parties. A nearby 40-acre recreational park is also being planned.

The total project is estimated to cost $326,350, with $163,175 provided by the OSLAD grant and the remaining cost to be collected through fundraising and donations.

“The Village of Ashton is extremely grateful to have received this grant from Governor Pritzker and the OSLAD program,” Village President Tim Henert said. “Denise Coffman, head of the Economic Development Committee, along with several other board and community members have worked very hard over the past year planning, fund raising, and submitting information to be eligible for this grant. It is truly heartwarming to see our community come together for a project like this and to see that all our hard work has been recognized by our state leaders awarding us this very generous grant.”

On Dec. 16, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced over $55 million in grant funding for 100 park projects throughout the state, including parks in Sterling and Morrison.

The Sterling Park District is set to receive $600,000 from the OSLAD program. Park District Director Larry Schuldt said the money will be used for several improvements to Thomas Park, including the construction of a new Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant playground and fishing platform.

Schuldt said the park district also plans to resurface Thomas Park’s basketball court and expand parking on 12th Avenue. The entire project is estimated to cost $700,000, with the OSLAD grant covering the majority of the cost. Schuldt said he expects work to begin next summer.

Morrison is expected to receive $81,500. Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Jacobs said the grant money will be used to build a new ADA-compliant playground at the Morrison Sports Complex at 315 Bishop Road.

Jacobs said the city is reviewing three different options for the park and expects to break ground next year. Morrison’s award is a 50% matching grant, meaning the city will need to pick up the other half of the project’s total costs.

“Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” Pritzker said. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by awarding over $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green space and creating new recreational opportunities for all.’’

The OSLAD grant program was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986 as a cost-sharing program between state and local governments for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its inception, the OSLAD program has awarded $640 million for park projects across the state.