NOTE: The 2026 round of applications for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program is now open through March 31, 2026. Please note, the 2026-2030 SCORP will be used to evaluate 2026 applications.
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.
Metro regional parks and Greater Minnesota regional parks are not eligible for funding under this program. Funding for designated regional parks and trails is available from the Metropolitan Council and the Greater Minnesota Regional Park and Trails Commission.
How it works
The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program 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.
Only one park may be included in an application and only one application per park. Applicants are eligible to submit more than one application and receive more than one grant. Significant progress must be completed on active projects before an additional proposal can be submitted. Review frequently asked questions.
Eligible applicants
Cities, counties, and townships.
Eligible projects
Park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment including, internal park trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches, fixed-in-place skate parks and campgrounds. All park projects must be maintained for outdoor recreation into perpetuity.
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 $100,000. 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
Grants are reimbursed based up to 50 percent of the total eligible costs. The maximum grant award is $500,000 (for a total project cost of at least $1,000,000). The local match can consist of cash; the value of materials, labor and equipment usage by the local sponsor; donations; or any combination thereof. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made.
Grant funding available
There are two sources of funding for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program: federal and state funds. Federal funds come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Federal funding available for FY 2027 has not yet been allocated but should be at least $3.5 million for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program and the Natural and Scenic Areas Grant Program.
State funding available for FY 2027 is a portion of $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds available for three Park and Trail grant programs. Additional state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars may be recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Other state funding may be available but is subject to Legislative approval. Final amounts available will not be known until after the legislative session ends.
Funding priorities
The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is Minnesota’s outdoor recreation policy plan. This plan was developed with public and stakeholder input. 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. The 2026-2030 SCORP is under review by the National Park Service. The SCORP website will be updated once it is approved. Although there have not been significant changes to the strategic priorities, there are changes you will need to review for this year's application.
A majority of the review and selection process will focus on guidelines outlined in the 2026-2030 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 2026. Preliminary grant awards will be announced in the summer of 2026.
Project period
The earliest anticipated project start date will be the fall of 2026. However, this can be later depending on requirements for environmental resources, historical and archeological resources, and federal approval, if applicable. All work must be completed by June 30, 2028. Most of our funding does not allow for a project extension beyond this date. Applicants should focus on projects that will be completed during the 2027/2028 construction seasons.
How to apply
The completed application is due by 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026. If you would like feedback on your application, please submit it by February 28, 2026.
Contact
Jennifer Bubke, grants coordinator: [email protected], 651-259-5638
Sarah Wennerberg, grants coordinator: [email protected], 651-259-5579
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Parks and Trails Division
500 Lafayette Road, Box 39
Saint Paul, MN 55155