The Oak Lawn Park District received $1,000 through the Illinois Association of Park District (IAPD) PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant. This program is funded through the sale and renewal of Illinois Park District Youth License Plates. This year, IAPD awarded 33 agencies, $1,000 each in grant support.
The money received will go directly toward enhancing the Fun and Leisure After School Hours (FLASH) program. The FLASH program serves children in grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade at School District’s 122 and 123 with fun, structured, age-appropriate activities, arts & crafts, free play, an opportunity to do homework before and after school. Oak Lawn Park District staff provides the supervision, lead activities, and assist with homework.
“We were happy to be selected again as a grant recipient,” said Cate Coyle, community pavilion general manager. “It shows how hard our staff works to bring such a quality, much-needed program to our community.”
Oak Lawn Park District staff submitted the grant back in February and were awarded the grant based on the quality of the program, staff training and development, safe and adequate facilities, consistent and defined program management, sustainability, transportation, program evaluation, along with ensuring the program meets guidelines regarding health, nutrition, and fitness for kids ages 5-13.
To help fund the grant program for future years, you can purchase a Park District Youth License Plate by visiting https://www.ilparks.org/page/pd_license_plate.
