Community Park & Trail Grant Program

The Community Park & Trail Grant Program is administered by Preservation Parks of Delaware County, an organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural and historical features of Delaware County, Ohio while promoting outdoor exploration and learning. The program is funded through the Park District’s 2026 budget, with a total allocation of 100,000 dollars to support local projects that enhance public outdoor recreation infrastructure. The initiative reflects the agency’s broader mission to improve quality of life, encourage active lifestyles, and ensure long-term sustainability of green spaces across the county. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for the development, improvement, and maintenance of publicly accessible parks and trails located within Delaware County. Eligible uses of funds include construction of recreational amenities such as playgrounds, trails, shelters, and restrooms, as well as environmental improvements like native landscaping and reforestation. The program also allows funding for design and engineering directly tied to construction activities, as well as repairs and maintenance of existing facilities. However, funding cannot be used for temporary structures, portable equipment, planning studies, or administrative and operational costs, ensuring that resources are directed toward tangible, long-term infrastructure improvements. Eligible applicants include cities, villages, and townships, as well as nonprofit organizations that partner with public entities. All proposed projects must be located entirely within Delaware County and must occur on land that is either publicly owned or held under a lease of at least fifteen years. Additionally, all project sites must be open and accessible to the public, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on community benefit and equitable access to recreational resources. Applicants may request up to 50,000 dollars per project, and no matching funds are required, which lowers barriers to participation for smaller municipalities and nonprofit organizations. Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning that recipients must initially cover project costs and later submit documentation for reimbursement upon completion. Awardees are required to enter into a formal agreement with Preservation Parks and must comply with all applicable laws, including procurement standards, accessibility requirements, and non-discrimination regulations. The application process requires submission of a completed application package, including Sections 1 through 4 and any supporting documentation, by October 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must submit both a digital PDF and a hard copy to the designated contact. Applications are reviewed by a committee, which evaluates proposals based on factors such as project need, community support, site suitability, accessibility, and the applicant’s ability to maintain the project. Final funding decisions are made by the Board of Park Commissioners, with awards announced by December 1, 2026. The program follows a defined annual timeline, with applications opening on April 30 and closing on October 1. Award decisions are made in mid-November, and recipients must complete their projects and submit final reimbursement documentation by December 31, 2028. The program is recurring annually, allowing unsuccessful applicants to reapply in subsequent years. This structure ensures ongoing investment in community recreation infrastructure while maintaining accountability through reporting and compliance requirements.

Ensure strong justification of need and community support; demonstrate site suitability and long-term maintenance capacity; submit a complete and compliant application package