EDWARDSVILLE — From new playgrounds to trail expansions and major park upgrades, communities across Madison County are set to see visible improvements following the approval of $3.3 million in Parks Enhancement Program (PEP) grants on April 16.
The County Board approved funding for the program during its meeting Wednesday night. The grants will support projects in municipalities, townships and park districts, with awards ranging from $49,700 to $310,000. The program allows local governments to combine county funding with their own resources to complete larger projects.
Projects funded this year include playground replacements and inclusive play structures, restroom renovations, walking path and sidewalk upgrades, trail expansions, pavilion and shelter construction, lighting and drainage improvements, and the addition of outdoor fitness and recreational amenities.
Other investments include dog parks, community gardens, lake and shoreline stabilization, bridge repairs, concession facilities, and maintenance equipment such as mowers and utility vehicles — all aimed at improving accessibility, safety and long-term usability of local parks.
Chairman Chris Slusser said the program continues to deliver results across the county.
“These investments are reaching communities throughout Madison County and improving the quality of life for our residents,” Slusser said. “When you look at the range of projects, you can see how important this program is to every part of the county.”
The Parks Enhancement Program traces back to 2000, when Madison County voters approved a one-tenth of one percent sales tax under the Illinois Metro-East Park and Recreation District Act.
The funding is administered through Madison County Community Development and distributed annually by the Madison County Park and Recreation Grant Commission.
Over the past 26 years, the program has delivered more than $31 million in funding to municipalities, townships and park districts — leaving a visible footprint in parks across the county.
Slusser said the longevity of the program reflects its value to residents.
“These grants are made possible by the voters, and you can see the results in parks throughout the county,” Slusser said.
County Board member and Park and Recreation Grants Committee Chair Dalton Gray credited Community Development staff for helping move the program forward.
“I want to thank the hardworking staff in Community Development who worked with each of these park districts to make this possible,” Gray said. “This program plays an important role in supporting and building parks across Madison County.”
Slusser said the impact is especially meaningful for smaller communities.
“I’ll second that — especially for the smaller villages, it’s a really big deal for them to receive these grants,” Slusser said. “In many cases, these projects wouldn’t happen without this support, and these grants allow communities to make improvements residents can see and use every day.”
List of entities and amounts awarded:
Municipalities
Alton — $288,033
Bethalto — $104,440
Collinsville — $273,338
East Alton — $64,907
Edwardsville — $300,732
Glen Carbon — $149,903
Godfrey — $199,961
Hamel — $49,700
Hartford — $49,700
Livingston — $49,700
Madison — $49,700
Marine — $49,700
Maryville — $92,223
New Douglas — $49,700
Pontoon Beach — $65,917
South Roxana — $49,700
St. Jacob — $49,700
Williamson — $49,700
Worden — $49,700
Townships
Alhambra Township — $49,700
Chouteau Township — $84,303
Collinsville Township — $59,220
Edwardsville Township — $49,700
Foster Township — $49,700
Nameoki Township — $49,700
New Douglas Township — $49,700
St. Jacob Township — $49,700
Park Districts
Granite City Park District — $310,638
Highland Park & Recreation — $112,079
Roxana Community Park District — $49,700
Tri-Township Park District — $199,445
Venice Park District — $49,700
Wood River Parks & Recreation — $117,385
