CHAMPAIGN — Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) joined local and state leaders in Champaign to celebrate the construction of an inclusive special recreation area that will serve people of all abilities. The project is funded with the help of a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant through IDNR.
“The All Abilities Activity Hub will provide the community with so much more than a space to get active and enjoy the outdoors. It will help our children find a sense of independence, confidence, and belonging,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Endeavors like this speak so much to who we are as a state — a place where accessibility and inclusion aren’t just words, but something we build and invest in.”
The Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation All Abilities Activity Hub will be an accessible outdoor space that prioritizes inclusion for people of all ages and abilities. The space will offer opportunities for educational and clinical therapies — including recreational, physical, and occupational therapy — and will feature accessible parking and driveways, specialized playground equipment, and other amenities for people of all abilities. Construction is set to begin this summer.
“We are beyond excited to kick off this long-awaited project for CU Special Recreation,” said Sarah Sandquist, Executive Director of the Champaign Park District. “This grant allows us to expand inclusive programming opportunities and provide a safer experience for our participants, and we are deeply grateful for the state’s support.”
The park district was awarded a $600,000 OSLAD grant for the project. 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 $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.
“The All Abilities Activity Hub in Champaign is so much more than a playground. It’s inclusive, it’s community-centered, and it’s exactly the kind of meaningful public enhancement that OSLAD grants are intended to support,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “I look forward to returning to see the hub in use when it’s completed.”
Under Governor Pritzker, Illinois continues to bring recreational spaces to life that strengthen communities and promote inclusivity statewide. Last May, the Governor cut the ribbon at a new enclosed horse arena at Giant City Stables, which offers year-round therapeutic horse-riding for youth, veterans, and people with disabilities.
“Our community is loudly and proudly diverse and inclusive. We have opportunities and resources for everyone, no matter their race, gender, or level of ability,” said State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana). “Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is a fantastic resource to ensure everyone in our community can be active and enjoy nature.”
“Open Space and Land Acquisition Development funding is essential not only for improving our communities’ local infrastructure, but also for ensuring residents have access to reliable outdoor recreation areas,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am proud to support the OSLAD program to continue securing state funding for projects in East Central Illinois, providing our community members with accessible, safe green spaces for families with a range of needs to enjoy.”
“Today’s dedication of Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation’s All Abilities Activities Hub is a powerful reminder that parks are for everyone. This thoughtfully designed outdoor space creates new opportunities for people of all ages and ability levels to participate in inclusive fitness, recreation, therapy, and social connection in a safe, accessible environment,” said Peter Murphy, President and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. “We are grateful to Governor Pritzker and IDNR for supporting projects like this through the OSLAD fund, which helps communities throughout Illinois create spaces where EVERYONE belongs.”
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