Community Parks and Trails Grant

The Community Parks and Trails Grant is a locally funded initiative administered by the Portage Park District in Ohio. The program is supported by the Portage Park District Board of Commissioners, which has allocated $100,000 from its 2026 levy funds to establish this pilot grant opportunity. The District’s mission is to conserve Portage County’s natural heritage while providing opportunities for public appreciation and enjoyment. This grant program is designed to support community-led projects that align with that mission by enhancing access to parks and trails and promoting environmental stewardship. As a pilot program, it may be modified in future cycles based on community feedback, with the intention of becoming an annual funding opportunity if successful. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that improve, expand, or create park and trail infrastructure within Portage County. Eligible uses of funding include both land acquisition and development or improvement of recreational facilities. Acquisition projects may involve purchasing land or securing long-term easements or leases for conservation or park purposes. Development projects may include building or improving trails, installing amenities such as benches or restrooms, creating nature play areas, or implementing landscaping initiatives like native plantings and rain gardens. Planning, design, and engineering services directly related to these projects are also eligible. However, certain costs are explicitly excluded, including routine maintenance, staff salaries, athletic fields for team sports, swimming pools, and any project that negatively impacts natural resources. Funding is available for project requests ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover project expenses and then submit documentation for reimbursement upon completion. No matching funds are required, but applicants must demonstrate the ability to cash flow the project. The total program funding for this pilot cycle is $100,000, and multiple awards are expected to be distributed within the specified funding range. Eligibility is limited to villages and townships located within Portage County. Cities, schools, and nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply independently; however, nonprofits may participate by partnering with an eligible township or village sponsor. Additionally, all funded facilities must either be owned by the applicant or leased for a minimum of 25 years and must remain open to the general public. Projects must also meet accessibility standards, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the funded improvements in accordance with applicable regulations. The application process requires submission of a complete application package, including detailed project descriptions, budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation such as maps, photos, and letters of support. Applicants must also include a formal authorizing resolution confirming their commitment to the project and compliance with program requirements. Applications can be submitted via mail or email and must be received or postmarked by October 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The Portage Park District provides consultation support to applicants from April through September to assist with proposal development. Applications are reviewed by a committee that evaluates projects based on criteria such as community need, public support, accessibility, alignment with the Park District’s mission, and overall project feasibility. Final funding decisions are made by the Board of Park Commissioners, with awards authorized at the October board meeting. Grant agreements are executed in November, and applicants must complete their projects and submit reimbursement documentation by December 31, 2027. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Portage Park District via email or phone.

Align project clearly with conservation and public access goals; demonstrate strong community support and need; ensure accessibility compliance; provide complete and well-documented application including budget and supporting materials