New Playground, Rain Garden At Irwin Park With Boost From $600K Grant

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR, IL — Irwin Park will see some substantial upgrades—planned to include a playground, rain garden with pollinator plants, story walk, and more—with the help of state funding.

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District on Wednesday announced that it has been selected to receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois.

Along with matching funds from the park district, this grant will enable the revitalization of Irwin Park, a premier destination for many of Homewood-Flossmoor Park District’s special events and programs, officials said in a release.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) awarded a total of $55.2 million to 100 communities for local park development projects as part of the latest round of OSLAD grants.

"Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,' said Governor JB Pritzker. "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."

Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, 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 $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the awards announced today).

"We are thrilled that the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District has been awarded a generous grant from the OSLAD program," said Doug Boehm, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Executive Director.

The OSLAD grant funding will be used to upgrade Irwin Park with new amenities, including a new playground, rain garden with pollinator plants, story walk, seating areas and more. These improvements will not only enhance the park's aesthetic appeal but also make it a more inclusive, and more enjoyable space for residents of all ages, officials said.

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District is a three-time National Gold Medal Award Winner for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.