Greenfield to apply for OSLAD grant
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By Carmen Ensinger
The City of Greenfield is in the process of applying for an OSLAD grant. OSLAD stands for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development and the program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space.
“This grant offers the city a great opportunity to better our public spaces with new infrastructure,” Greenfield Mayor Brock Meyer said. “In applying for this grant, we are working with our partners to maximize our odds of receiving funds for future projects, but there were hard decisions which had to be made.”
Projects eligible to receive funding from the program can range from small neighborhood parks to large community and county parks to nature areas.
“We needed to choose one location to focus our efforts on,” Meyer said. “The city council decided that Rives Lake, being a large source of income for the city, would be the most logical place to begin.”
The city has been hearing the concerns from the public for better electrical hookups for larger campers and RV’s at the camping sites.
“We believe that updating our electricity at more camping sites will better serve those who wish to come to Greenfield for the quiet, family camping experience that so many enjoy,” Meyer said. “Furthermore, the city knows that there needs to be more activities for our children on hot summer days at Rives Lake for campers and ordinary citizens alike. You all made your voices heard and made it clear that the number one upgrade that you think would better our lake experience (for now) is a splash pad. We could not agree more.”
Meyer said the city has many hurdles to overcome as they move forward with the grant application and they need the residents’ help with one of the requirements of the grant.
“Grant applicants will receive ‘points’ for community involvement and being from a small community such as Greenfield, we need as many points as possible to be in contention for receiving the funds we seek,” Meyer said. “The city recently had a booth set up at the Greenfield Triennial Homecoming, but we need more involvement. We encourage everyone, whether you live within the Greenfield City Limits, or out in the country, to have a hand in this improvement process.”
Those who live in Wrights, Rockbridge, Fayette, Athensville and even those from out of state who still have a love for the community are encouraged to write a letter to the city stating their desire to have a splash pad at Rives Lake in Greenfield.
Or, have you been wanting to camp at Rives Lake but there was not a hookup powerful enough for you to connect? Please let the city know.
“We need to hear from everyone so we can show the State that our community can come together to better our town,” Meyer said. “We are also encouraging students to write letters expressing interest in a splash pad at Rives Lake. Even young children can draw a picture of themselves playing in the water and put their name on it – it all counts.”
Letters can be dropped off or mailed to City Hall at 510 Walnut St., Greenfield, IL 62044.
The city will be having the final public hearing for the OSLAD grant on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall where everyone can come and show their support, drop off letters and pictures and show that the community is the best at coming together for one common goal – the better of the community.
