The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced this week that $36 million in grant funding has been awarded to 67 local park projects throughout the state.

The funding was distributed through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, a state-funded initiative that helps local administrations acquire land and develop parks, nature areas, and other outdoor recreational spaces. Grants can cover up to 50 percent of a project’s total cost, and up to 90 percent for under-resourced communities.

Since OSLAD was established in 1986, the program has provided more than $675 million to support park projects across Illinois.