DCA awards $19.5M in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to 246 local governments across the state
Grant Funding Will Help Improve Community Centers, Parks, Pools, Recreational Fields, and Walking and Bicycle Trails
NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) Monday announced the award of $19.517 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants (LRIG) to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor space and recreational facilities.
The grants were awarded to 246 local governments – 95 of which were first-time LRIG applicants – after a competitive application process.
“Well-maintained parks, playgrounds, trails, and recreational facilities are an important part of what keeps communities vibrant and healthy because they are so often the places where people gather for fun and friendship,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “By helping local governments take care of these resources, the Local Recreation Improvement Grants make it possible for more New Jersey residents to benefit from quality recreation spaces that are essential to human well-being.”
Grant recipients will use the funding to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, athletic fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities. The grants can also be utilized for project development professional services such as engineering and architectural costs; equipment costs including playgrounds or bleachers for stadiums or community theaters; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use.
To view a full list of the recipients, click here.
To qualify for grant funding, applicants had to:
- Describe the intended use of grant funding for improvement or repair of a specific local recreation site;
- Identify any previously encountered obstacles to repair or improve the recreation site;
- Demonstrate their ability to complete the proposed project and provide project management and oversight for all activities and fiscal operations;
- List key personnel and/or the outside consultant that will be managing the grant funds and proposed project;
- Provide a cost breakdown of the project;
- Submit a governing body resolution acknowledging and approving any grant application and the proposed plan or design for the recreation space or community facility for which funding is sought; and
- Certify that the property where improvements will be made is owned by the county, municipality, or school district.
Grant applications were evaluated based on factors such as distressed community ranking, financial need, project feasibility, local match commitment, and the scope of impact.
The Local Recreation Improvement Grants are reimbursement-based. There is no advance payment or drawdown of grant funds. Eligible costs are reimbursed to the local entity upon submission of evidence of payment for qualifying expenses to the DCA.
