Downers Grove Park District Awarded $600,000 OSLAD Grant for McCollum Park Playground Improvement Project


DOWNERS GROVE, IL—Downers Grove Park District has been awarded a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the McCollum Park Playground Improvement Project. Announced by Governor JB Pritzker on December 16, 2024, the Downers Grove Park District is one of 100 local park agencies receiving more than $55.2 million in funding to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.

The McCollum Park Playground Improvement Project is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 and will include new and improved recreational amenities to complement the recently renovated sport courts and sprayground, which were completed in 2023 and 2024. The playground, which was last updated in 2005, will receive a significant upgrade to enhance recreation, accessibility, and enjoyment for all park visitors. 

The improvements at McCollum Park will focus on revamping heavily used recreational components within the park and adding new walkways to improve accessibility. The existing playground will receive all-new play equipment including ramped access, tall slides, spinners, climbing elements, updated swings, and a zipline to ensure play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. The 5- to 12-year-old section will feature an exciting elevated play structure, offering a unique and thrilling experience for older children. The playground area will also feature a poured-in-place or synthetic turf surface, providing a safer, accessible, and low-maintenance play environment. A new shelter will be placed between the playgrounds, providing shade and additional seating for caregivers and visitors.

The current fitness area, located along an existing walking path, will be revitalized with new surfacing and modern equipment to encourage outdoor exercise for adults. Enhancements to the existing baggo set and long-standing horseshoe courts will be renovated with updated equipment and accessibility. A new fabric shade structure will be added to the concession patio seating area and the baggo area to enhance visitor comfort.

As one of the largest and most visited parks in the Downers Grove community, McCollum Park serves as a hub for recreation and leisure. The planned renovations will ensure that the park remains a vibrant and inclusive destination for residents of all ages for years to come.

For ongoing updates about the McCollum Park Playground Improvement Project, please visit dgparks.org. 

About the Open Space Land Acquisition & Development Program

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 on December 16, 2024).

About Downers Grove Park District
The Downers Grove Park District enriches our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow, play, imagine and explore. Learn more at dgparks.org.


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