State grants to help finance park upgrades in south, southwest suburbs

Bremen Heights Park in Midlothian

Amenities such as pickleball courts and splash pads are coming to Southland parks, thanks in part to state grants.

More than $2.5 million in grants has been earmarked for projects in seven south and southwest suburbs, including Hickory Hills, Midlothian, New Lenox, Palos Heights and Tinley Park.

Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the money comes from the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program. Funding for the grants comes from real estate transfer tax revenue, with 50 cents of each $1 collected in tax revenue earmarked for the grants, according to the department, which announced the grants last month…Please click here to read Mike Nolan’s story in the Tribune/Daily Southtown. Click here for information on applying for an Open Space Lands Aquisition and Development Program grant.