State Has 10 Million Available For Local Recreation Improvement

Leo Migdal

-Dec 8, 2025, 2:58 PM

state has 10 million available for local recreation improvement

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today announced that its Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is now accepting applications from counties, municipalities, and school districts for Local Recreation... The Murphy Administration allocated $10 million in the fiscal year 2026 state budget to this competitive grant program, which is now in its sixth year supporting the improvement and repair of public recreation facilities... “Public recreation spaces do so much to strengthen community vibrancy and quality of life. Whether its tennis courts, splash pads, bike trails, softball fields, or other recreational resources, these community assets provide people with places to exercise and build social connections through sports and activities,” said DCA Commissioner... Suárez. “We are happy to again help local governments in developing, upgrading, and maintaining these wonderful facilities that bring enjoyment to so many lives.”

LRIG funds will be awarded to successful grant applicants to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities; one-time external... New Jersey counties, municipalities, and school districts are eligible to apply. To qualify for LRIG funding, applicants must: The state Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is accepting applications from counties, municipalities, and school districts for Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) funding. A total of $10 million has been allocated in the fiscal year 2026 state budget to this competitive grant program, which is now in its sixth year supporting the improvement and repair of public... Have something to say?

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Environmental Bond Act Funded Grant Program Complements Governor Hochul’s ‘Unplug and Play Initiative’ Grants Support Local Park Improvements and Enhance Community Recreation Opportunities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $10 million in funding was awarded to 17 projects as part of the Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program to fund the development and improvement of municipal... Funding for this program was provided by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. “By expanding access to recreational opportunities, we are investing in the future of our communities so New Yorkers can safely explore and connect with our parks and outdoor spaces,” Governor Hochul said. “These compelling projects will provide a meaningful impact on their communities and ensure that every child has the ability to play, learn, and grow in a safe and engaging environment.”

The MPR grant funding provides for the construction of recreational facilities and other improvements to municipally owned recreational sites and parks, such as playgrounds, courts, playing fields, and facilities for swimming, biking, boating, picnicking,... This grant opportunity can fund up to 90% of the total eligible project costs and total grant awards are capped at $1 million for each project. Free CPE Credit for Construction CPAs | AI-Powered Tools Webinar 2026 → Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur elit Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur elit Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur elit

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur elit CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. — The city of Watervliet, as well as the city of Rensselaer, will receive funding from the state’s new Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that $10 million in funding was awarded to 17 projects as part of the Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program to fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and... Funding for this program was provided by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

“By expanding access to recreational opportunities, we are investing in the future of our communities so New Yorkers can safely explore and connect with our parks and outdoor spaces,” Hochul said in a news... “These compelling projects will provide a meaningful impact on their communities and ensure that every child has the ability to play, learn, and grow in a safe and engaging environment.” The MPR grant funding provides for the construction of recreational facilities and other improvements to municipally owned recreational sites and parks, such as playgrounds, courts, playing fields, and facilities for swimming, biking, boating, picnicking,... This grant opportunity can fund up to 90% of the total eligible project costs and total grant awards are capped at $1 million for each project. New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued leadership and the critical investments made possible by the Bond Act, these grants will revitalize communities statewide and ensure... Each of these projects demonstrates a strong local commitment to improving overall wellness and we’re excited to support these grants and look forward to seeing their lasting impact across municipalities.”

Communities across Pennsylvania can now apply for state grants to fund parks, recreation, and conservation projects, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources opens its latest round of Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding. Applications are open now through 4 p.m. on April 2. These grants are a key part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to revitalizing communities and expanding outdoor opportunities, addressing the growing demand within Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry. Last year, nearly $80 million was invested in over 300 projects, impacting communities all across the Commonwealth. “These grants are key to achieving our goal of investing in the things that make communities great — public health, safety, and wellness for all Pennsylvanians,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.

“By supporting projects that improve parks, trails, and green spaces, we’re fostering stronger, healthier communities and boosting local economies. Outdoor recreation is a critical part of life in Pennsylvania, and these investments ensure that everyone has access to safe, enjoyable natural spaces.” Investments made in 2024 supported the development of 25 new local parks, the rehabilitation of 85 existing parks, the protection of over 6,800 acres for recreation and habitat preservation, and $10 million to support... Two municipalities and two school districts in the Two River area are among the 246 towns and school districts across New Jersey that received state Local Recreation Improvement grants from the Department of Community... Sea Bright Borough, the Holmdel Township School District and both the borough and school district in Tinton Falls will receive funds from a total of $19.5 million distributed statewide to support improvements to parks,... The grants, administered by the DCA’s Division of Local Government Services, help municipalities improve their outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities.

According to the DCA, this year’s grant cycle saw a surge in first-time applicants, with 95 municipalities or school districts securing awards for the first time. According to the DCA, grant funds can be used for upgrading community centers, pools, playgrounds, athletic fields, walking and bicycle trails and multisport courts, as well as for professional services like engineering and environmental... All grants are reimbursement-based, meaning local governments must complete projects and submit proof of qualifying expenses before receiving payment. Sea Bright received $48,000 to support upgrades at the Cecile F. Norton Community Center, including improvements to the gymnasium’s HVAC system, new building signage and the installation of community-driven public art. New Jersey has awarded a total of $19,517,885 in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to 246 agencies across all 21 counties for fiscal year 2025.

The Local Recreation Improvement Grants aim to help local agencies fund projects that enhance public recreation facilities and opportunities in communities throughout the state. The grants, which range from $5,600 to $95,000 per agency, will fund various recreation projects and improvements in municipalities, school districts, and county governments. Some of the largest grant recipients include: Morris County had the highest number of individual agencies receiving grants at 28, followed by Bergen County with 27 and Monmouth County with 26.

State Has 10 Million Available For Local Recreation Improvement

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