Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley has been awarded a $527,800 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois to support the creation of new outdoor spaces that connect education, exploration and family-friendly recreation.
“These investments help us continue to evolve Niabi Zoo into a place where education, conservation and family fun come together,” Niabi Zoo Director Lee Jackson said. “This grant allows us to create new, engaging spaces that encourage exploration, spark curiosity and give families more reasons to spend meaningful time outdoors together.”
The grant will fully fund three outdoor enhancements designed to encourage hands-on learning and active play, aligning with the core mission of the OSLAD program to expand access to outdoor recreational amenities. No local match is required, making the grant the total estimated cost of the project.
Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the OSLAD program supports outdoor recreation and education projects that strengthen communities and expand access to open spaces. In the most recent funding cycle, the State of Illinois awarded $36 million to 67 communities statewide.
Expanding outdoor education
The grant will support the development of three complementary outdoor amenities that support education and accessibility:
- A splash pad play area, located between the Cat House and Carousel, offering an interactive water feature for children during warm-weather visits.
- A dinosaur dig playground experience, where young guests can uncover the bones of a life-sized stegosaurus, blending imaginative play with educational exploration.
- An outdoor educational deck, built onto the administration building, designed to support zoo programs, group learning and community events.
Together, these additions create new opportunities for learning beyond traditional exhibits, reinforcing Niabi Zoo’s role as a regional destination for outdoor education and recreation.
In a news release, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of these investments across Illinois. “Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Mr. Pritzker. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by expanding green spaces and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that funds land acquisition and development for outdoor parks and recreation projects. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $640 million to projects throughout Illinois.
Construction on Niabi’s new amenities is expected to take place throughout 2026 and could extend into 2027.
Operated by the Forest Preserve District of Rock Island County, Niabi Zoo spans more than 40 acres in Coal Valley. Visitors can discover more than 600 animals from around the world. The zoo places great emphasis on educating people of all ages about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and ecosystems for future generations. For more information, visit NiabiZoo.com or its foundation’s website at Niabizoofoundation.com.
