Park & Trail Grant

The Metro East Park and Recreation District Park and Trail Grant Program is a local public funding initiative established to support the development, acquisition, and improvement of public parks, trails, and recreational facilities within Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Metro East Park and Recreation District was created by voters in 2000 and is tasked with enhancing regional access to interconnected park systems and recreational opportunities. Through this program, the district supplements local government efforts by providing financial support for projects that improve public outdoor infrastructure and expand access to recreation. The program is designed to fund projects that are open to the public and aligned with regional recreation priorities. Eligible projects include park development, trail construction, greenways, recreation centers, and other public-use facilities. Funding can be used for acquisition, development, or improvement activities, with a strong emphasis on projects that enhance accessibility, connectivity, and community benefit. All projects must comply with applicable accessibility standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and relevant engineering guidelines. The program also outlines detailed lists of eligible and ineligible components, ensuring that funding is directed toward infrastructure and amenities that provide long-term public value. The total program funding for the current cycle is five million dollars. Individual awards are capped based on project type, with trail-related projects eligible for up to five hundred thousand dollars and all other eligible project types capped at two hundred fifty thousand dollars. However, funding from this program cannot exceed forty percent of the total eligible project cost. Applicants are required to provide at least sixty percent of the project cost through other sources, including local funds, grants, or documented contributions. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning funds are disbursed only after project completion and verification. Eligible applicants include government agencies such as municipalities, counties, townships, park districts, and transportation districts. Certain nonprofit organizations and universities may also apply if their projects meet the criteria for public recreation use. However, school districts are explicitly excluded. Projects must be located within the two eligible counties and must be controlled or owned by the applicant through ownership or an irrevocable lease. Additional restrictions apply to ensure that projects are singular in scope and not duplicative of previously funded efforts. The application process is structured but continuous within the defined funding window. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from mid July through the end of May or until all funds are committed. Applicants must submit two original hard copies and one electronic copy of their application, along with a comprehensive set of required attachments including project scope, cost estimates, site plans, schedules, maintenance plans, and documentation of other funding sources. Applications must be complete and submitted at least one week prior to a desired board meeting for consideration. Decisions are typically communicated within forty five days following review. Evaluation of applications is based on completeness, eligibility, and alignment with program goals. While specific scoring criteria are not explicitly detailed, the program emphasizes readiness, financial feasibility, and public benefit. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the program coordinator prior to submission to verify eligibility and strengthen their proposals. Post award, recipients must adhere to strict requirements including project timelines, reporting, financial documentation, and long term maintenance obligations. Projects must begin within one year of receiving approval and be completed within three years. Recipients are required to maintain the funded facilities for public use for a minimum period, often extending up to twenty years depending on the nature of the project. Regular reporting, inspections, and compliance with all applicable laws are mandatory. Failure to meet program requirements may result in forfeiture of funding and disqualification from future grant cycles. Overall, the program represents a significant opportunity for local entities to enhance recreational infrastructure through a structured and well funded initiative.

Ensure complete documentation and verify eligibility with coordinator prior to submission; align project scope with eligible components; prepare detailed cost estimates and timelines