Huntley, IL – January 14, 2026 –
The Huntley Park District is proud to announce it has been named a 2025 recipient of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant. The District was awarded a $600,000 matching grant to support Phase One of Project Horizon, a major initiative focused on enhancing parks, facilities, and recreational opportunities for the community.
The OSLAD program is a highly competitive, state-funded grant designed to help local agencies acquire and develop land for outdoor recreation. This award represents a significant investment in the future of Huntley’s parks and reflects the District’s long-term commitment to thoughtful planning, sustainability, and community-driven improvements.
Project Horizon is a cornerstone initiative for the Huntley Park District, aligning with community priorities identified through extensive public engagement and long-range planning efforts. Phase One will mark an important step forward in delivering high-quality amenities that meet the evolving needs of residents.
“This is an exciting way to start the New Year for our community,” said Scott Crowe, Executive Director of the Huntley Park District. “We strive to find alternative funding sources to meet the needs of District residents, and to continue to work toward feedback received in our 2023 Master Plan and to complete the objectives of the successful 2024 Referendum. The OSLAD Grant allows us to move Project Horizon forward while being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.”
In late-2025 the Huntley Park District acquired this land from the Village of Huntley for purposes of developing a park, providing recreational opportunities and to provide for the preservation of open space. Additionally, Huntley Park District Board President Keith Wold added, “This opportunity would not be possible without the collaboration with our local government partners at the Village of Huntley. I want to thank Mayor Tim Hoeft, the entire Village of Huntley Board of Trustees, and the staff at the Village of Huntley for sharing in our vision to make Huntley a great place, to live, work and play!”
The $600,000 OSLAD Grant requires a local match, reinforcing the District’s strategic approach to leveraging external funding in combination with local resources. Together, these funds will help bring Phase One of Project Horizon from concept to reality.
Additional details regarding Project Horizon Phase One, including timelines and specific improvements, will be shared as the project progresses.
About Huntley Park District
The Huntley Park District, through its vision, to be a leader in providing recreation for generations, works hard to connect the community everyday with great projects like this that bring the community together. Learn more about the Huntley Park District at www.huntleyparks.org.
Additional Park Renderings
