I was honored to join state and local officials at an event earlier this week to announce the awarding of an OSLAD grant to the Springfield Park District to renovate Gietl Park.
The Springfield Park District put in a lot of hard work to secure the funds. Gietl Park serves an important part of the Springfield community and the much-needed renovations made possible by the OSLAD grant will enhance the neighborhood as well as the entire city of Springfield.
Parks enrich communities in a number of important ways: Not only do they provide recreational opportunities and physical activity for families, parks increase property values, spur the local economy, and have an overall positive affect on our environment and quality of life. Parks matter and contribute to the overall vitality of any community. Congratulations to the Springfield Park District and City of Springfield on moving this project forward.