SANDOVAL — The Village of Sandoval is one of 89 Illinois communities to receive a portion of nearly $29 million in grants that will help communities acquire open space and develop and improve recreational facilities throughout Illinois.

Sandoval will receive $344,300 for its Village Park Improvement Project.

Governor JB Pritzker today announced the grants Tuesday, he said: “Investments in Illinois’ local parks makes it easier for families and recreation enthusiasts to enjoy our state’s beauty and help their communities thrive.”

Pritzker noted that the projects will also create jobs, providing a boost to local economic development efforts in dozens of communities and spurring additional investment throughout the state.

The grant programs can provide up to one-half of a project’s funds, and when combined with the investment of local matching funds will support more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

The OSLAD program began in 1987 and has invested $419.4million in 1,765 local park projects.

The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax.