Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced that the Freeport Park District has been awarded grant funding as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. The Freeport Park District is among 67 park projects across Illinois receiving funding to support land acquisition and the development of recreational opportunities that strengthen local communities.

Through this program, the Freeport Park District was awarded $582,445.50 with equal matching to support a wide range of improvements at Krape Park, one of the community’s most cherished and highly visited destinations.

Krape Park is an award-winning park and a major recreational hub in the City of Freeport, attracting visitors from throughout the region each year. The planned improvements will enhance accessibility, safety, and recreational offerings for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Proposed project elements include the addition of a scenic nature overlook with seating, an ADA-accessible fishing pier and related accessibility improvements, lighting for pickleball courts, two new playgrounds, a rock-climbing boulder, disc golf equipment, parking lot improvements, and updated wayfinding signage. Project work is anticipated to begin in Summer of 2026 and be complete by December of 2027.

Together, these enhancements will help ensure Krape Park continues to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment that encourages outdoor recreation, social interaction, and community gatherings for years to come.