Regional Park Grants

This information is provisional and will be finalized by August 2012. If you have any questions, please call one of the program staff listed below.

Program purpose:

To increase and enhance regional outdoor recreation facilities in areas outside of the seven county metropolitan area. This program is established in Minnesota Statutes 85.019. For more information, see the Regional Park Grant Program pages.

How it works:

Provides matching grants to public regional park organizations outside the seven county metropolitan area for up to 60% of the cost of acquisition, development and/or redevelopment costs of regional parks.

Eligible applicants:

Cities, counties and townships outside of the seven county metropolitan area.

Eligible projects:

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

Minimum requirements:

Project proposals must have a total project cost of at least $40,000. 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 60% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants must be able to fund at least 40% of the total 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 state dollars authorized by the Minnesota State Legislature. Typically, the state dollars available are either state bond dollars or Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). In addition to state funds, federal funds may be available through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON). Applications are solicited in advance of the actual appropriation to ensure that projects are ready to start after the funding becomes available.

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 fall of 2012. Preliminary grant awards will be announced in the fall 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 September 28, 2012. The application material can be downloaded from the links below. To receive an application by e-mail 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