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Oak Brook Park District applies for OSLAD grant to fund Central Park enhancements
Summary
The Oak Brook Park District board authorized submitting an OSLAD matching-grant application to help fund Central Park upgrades, including a replacement playground and pickleball improvements; the board approved Resolution No. 24-0823 unanimously (one commissioner absent).
The Oak Brook Park District Board of Commissioners on Aug. 19 authorized submission of an OSLAD matching-grant application to support planned Central Park improvements, including replacement of an aging playground and new pickleball facilities. The board approved Resolution No. 24-0823 by roll call vote; Commissioners Gondek, Suleiman, Vescovi and President Knitter voted yes, and Commissioner Ivkovic Kelley was absent.
Dr. Laure Kosey, the district’s executive director, said the first community input meeting drew good attendance and that the application requires a concept plan and cost estimate. Michelle Kelly of Upland Design presented the current concept, telling the board that lighting will not be included in the initial pickleball design but could be added later: “lighting will not be added; however, lights can be added later.” Bob Johnson, deputy director, said the playground behind the Recreation Center is at the end of its useful life and needs replacement.
President Knitter emphasized seeking matching government funds even though the district has capital available: she said the district can fund the project but would like to pursue matching assistance to reduce local cost. Dr. Kosey explained the team used the ten-year Capital Improvement Plan and project-specific budgets (pickleball courts, playground, tennis work) to develop the grant cost estimate and that some project elements earn OSLAD scoring points while others do not. She advised the board that items which do not provide scoring points could be scaled back if needed while still preserving the elements required for the grant application.
The district also removed the tennis courts from the OSLAD scope; Kelly said the Tennis Center intends to cover future tennis-court work. Board members discussed potential sponsorships as a way to fund higher-cost elements like lighting.
Pending execution of the grant, Mr. Johnson noted the district would have two years minus one day to complete grant-funded work. With the board’s approval of Resolution 24-0823, staff may proceed to finalize and submit the OSLAD application and then move into design and procurement steps if the grant is awarded.
