ILLINOIS TOWNS RECEIVE FUNDS TO BOOST PARKS

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Funds for second-phase construction of a four-phase Mounds city park have been released by the Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC).

"The funds are a matching grant," said Mounds Mayor Marguerite Ward. "They will be used for construction of a pavilion, parking lot, a small children's basketball court, and installation of other playground equipment."

Development of the 11-acre park began a year ago.

"We (the city) purchased property for the park about two years ago from the railroad," said Ward. "Bids were let last year for two basketball courts, which can double as tennis courts, a backdrop for softball or baseball and some benches."

The park is located in the south portion of town, along S. Oak and S. Elms Streets.

The Mounds grant is one of 46 projects announced recently by Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar, totaling more than $6.3 million.

Edgar explained that because the park and recreation grants require local matching funds, citizens throughout the state will benefit from $12.6 million in park improvement and new park lands.

A total of 476 acres of land will be acquired statewide through the grants, including 170 acres of natural areas that provide habitat to endangered and threatened species.

The projects will be funded by $5.4 million in state Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants and $884,800 in federal land and Water conservation Fund (LAWCON) grants. The programs are administered by the Department of Conservation.

Included in the grants are funds for two other Southern Illinois communities.

Alto Pass, in Union County, will receive $48,300 to develop a vacant tract of land in the center of town into a "village commons."

Ullin, in Pulaski County, will receive $8,400 for acquisition of a five-acre site with an existing ball field.

Sen. Jim Rea, D-Christopher, congratulated the local communities for their contribution to the park projects.

"It is important that we take steps to preserve open lands in Southern Illinois and develop recreational opportunities for citizens," said Rea. "Officials in these communities are to be congratulated for their aggressive pursuit of these funds."

Local governments interested in applying for grants for the coming year must submit applications by July 1.