Outdoor Recreation Grants

 

Note: Application and program information should be available in late summer of 2013. Depending on funding availability, we are anticipating a fall application deadline.

Program purpose:

To increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state. This program is established in Minnesota Statutes 85.019.

How it works:

Provides matching grants to local units of government for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition, development and/or redevelopment of local parks and recreation areas.

Eligible applicants:

Cities, counties, townships and recognized tribal governments.

Eligible projects:

Park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment including, internal park trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches and campgrounds. More information is available in the Program Manual PDF icon. .

Minimum requirements:

Project proposals must include at least one of the eligible primary outdoor recreation facilities in the Program Manual and have a total project cost of at least $10,000. Support facilities such as restrooms and parking lots can only be funded as part of a larger project that includes a primary recreation facility. Land proposed for development and/or redevelopment must be owned by the applicant or be part of an acquisition project.

Level of assistance:

A maximum of 50% of the total eligible project costs. The local share can consist of cash or the value of materials, labor and equipment usage by the local sponsor or by donations or any combination thereof. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made. Applicants are eligible to receive more than one grant. Significant progress must be completed on active projects before an additional proposal can be submitted.

The program finances projects using federal funds through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON). Historically, some state dollars authorized by the Minnesota State Legislature have been available. The amount of grant dollars available for distribution varies. On average, over the last three years, the annual amount available has been $335,000.

Funding priorities:

The 2008-2012 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is Minnesota’s outdoor recreation policy plan. This plan was developed with the input of Minnesota outdoor and natural resource leaders. It establishes outdoor recreation priorities for Minnesota to assist outdoor recreation and natural resource managers, the state legislature, and the executive branch in decision-making about the state’s outdoor recreation system and sets out criteria for awarding grants consistent with these identified priorities. A majority of the review and selection process will focus on guidelines outlined in the 2008-2012 SCORP. Additional review components will  assess the design of the proposed project and existing park facilities. Project design should be compatible with the physical characteristics of the site, consistent with generally accepted engineering and architectural design standards, in accordance with accessibility standards and minimize risk to the health and safety of users.

Grant awards:

The Department of Natural Resources will review and rank applications during the spring of 2012. Preliminary grant awards will be announced in the summer of 2012.

Project period:

Projects cannot begin until all requested final documentation has been submitted and an agreement between the applicant and the state has been signed. Project start dates may be in the fall of 2012 or later, depending on the funding available and the project ranking. Funded projects must begin promptly after an agreement has been signed. All work must be completed no later than December 31, 2014.

How to apply:

The completed application is due on March 30, 2012. The application material can be downloaded from the links below. To receive an application by email or to be contacted by program staff to discuss your project, please submit an Application Request Form.

Further information:

Grants Manager
Local Grants Program
Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road, Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155
Fax: 651-296-5475

Related DNR programs:

Other related programs:

None