COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (January 16, 2026) — Niabi Zoo 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.
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 (IDNR), 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.
“These investments help us continue to evolve Niabi Zoo into a place where education, conservation and family fun come together,” said Lee Jackson, Zoo Director at Niabi Zoo.
“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.”
Expanding outdoor educational experiences at Niabi Zoo
The grant will support the development of three complementary outdoor amenities that enhance the guest experience while supporting education and accessibility:
- A splash-pad play area, located between the Cat House and the 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 in an open-air setting.
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.
Governor 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 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 the new amenities is expected to take place throughout 2026 and may extend into 2027, depending on contractor availability. Additional details and timelines will be shared as plans are finalized.
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo, which is operated by the Forest Preserve District of Rock Island County, offers an opportunity to explore more than forty acres in Coal Valley, Illinois, and 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. Niabi Zoo is working today to assure a better tomorrow for all living things. For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com. To learn more about the Niabi Zoo Foundation, visit Niabizoofoundation.com.
