HOMEWOOD – State Senator Napoleon Harris III helped secure a $600,000 state grant through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program for Blackstone Park in Dolton.

“Securing $600,000 for Blackstone Park is about making sure state dollars come back to Dolton and are put to work in our community,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This investment will give families a safe, well-maintained place for children and their families.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

The OSLAD grant will be used to continue improvements at Blackstone Park, located at 146th & Blackstone Ave., by expanding amenities to include challenge courses, a gaga ball pit, activity nodes, a woodland restoration area, educational signage, a new parking lot and a new ballfield.

“We appreciate our legislators, Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Village of Dolton community for their support towards this project in this deserving neighborhood,” said Cleo D. Jones, Dolton Park District board president. “I look forward to the enhanced beauty of this area and seeing the excitement of the residents and youth enjoying their new park.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.