The Trail Maintenance Program (Non-Motorized Projects Only) is administered by Arizona State Parks and Trails, a state agency committed to expanding and preserving outdoor recreation opportunities across Arizona. The agency has a history of supporting diverse recreational projects, including the development and maintenance of trails, educational initiatives, and facilities that promote access to nature for a broad audience.
This specific program focuses on providing funding to support routine maintenance of existing non-motorized trails. The eligible maintenance activities include tread restoration, pathway clearing, drainage improvements, minor rerouting to enhance sustainability, and replacement of existing fencing. The goal is to ensure these trails remain safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable for continued public use, especially for pedestrians, hikers, runners, and individuals requiring ADA-accessible infrastructure.
The program is open to a broad range of applicants, including governmental entities such as cities, towns, counties, state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations. This inclusivity is designed to encourage wide participation from those involved in outdoor trail management and to support efforts that serve communities throughout Arizona.
Applications are accepted during open periods published by Arizona State Parks and Trails. All grants are issued on a reimbursement basis, with awarded funds disbursed based on eligible project expenses and within the approved scope of work. While specific timelines may vary, the program operates on a recurring annual basis, and the current cycle offers awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per project.
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Grants Manual and Administrative Guidelines for detailed application instructions. Questions can be directed to the Arizona State Parks Grants and Trails team via email at grantstaff@azstateparks.gov. Projects are evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, feasibility, sustainability, and potential community impact.
Through this program, Arizona State Parks and Trails aims to preserve the usability and safety of the state's extensive trail network, supporting continued access to outdoor recreation and promoting stewardship of natural resources.