Aurora to apply for second OSLAD grant to expand Garfield Park; aldermen seek clarification on match and timing

City engineering staff told the Finance Committee on Nov. 13 that the city will seek a second $600,000 OSLAD (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for Garfield Park improvements. Ian Wade said the city previously received a $600,000 OSLAD award for phase one, conducted open houses to gather community feedback, and engaged Upland Design as the consultant. The proposed 2026 budget includes $1,200,000 allocated to front‑fund the matching portion so the city can proceed with initial construction if necessary.

Alderman Edward J. Bugg and others asked whether applying now obligates the city to spend the match; staff and Stacy Peterson (CFO) clarified that today’s vote authorizes an application only and that accepting a future award would be the point at which the city would formally commit the matching funds. Jason Bauer (DPW) added the project is on the five‑year CIP and that applying now would not preclude the city from discussing priorities during the upcoming capital plan hearings.

Committee members asked whether it would be better to wait until the capital‑improvement discussions in mid‑November; staff replied that OSLAD is an annual grant and that delaying would not necessarily improve the city’s chances. Wade said if a second round of funding is secured it could double the park’s improvement budget to about $2.4 million across two phases.

The committee approved authorization to apply for the OSLAD grant. Several aldermen requested further CIP discussion and additional financial context at the next capital meeting.