Since receiving a grant in 2019 to purchase 70 acres, we’ve been working to make the park a reality!
Phase I Complete: Nearly a mile of multi-use trail, a 5-acre fishing pond, 10 acres of open space, and parking — a $2M investment.
Coming Next: ADA-accessible fishing piers, trail lighting, electrical upgrades, a nature-themed playground, and more parking.
Future Phases: Splash pad, pavilion with restrooms & showers, and additional parking.
The full project will take 6–8 years and about $6.5M. By phasing improvements, we can grow responsibly while being mindful of resources — and we’re also working on a grant to help fund the project.
Thank you to everyone who joined us as the OSLAD Grant Community Meeting — especially the kids! Your input is shaping the future of this special space for families to explore, play, and connect with nature. We heard some great ideas we’d like to incorporate, including specific playground equipment, a “hill slide,” a cave feature, and sculptures.
Click here to read more about where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and a look at the proposed capital budget for the next five years — highlighting other important projects for our community.
Below you'll find draft pictures of what the park may look like. If you weren’t able to make it, here’s what you missed — but there’s still plenty of opportunity to share your thoughts as the project grows.
If you have questions, we encourage you to stop by Village Hall or give us a call 217-877-9445 — we’d be happy to talk with you.
