South Carolina Parks and Recreation Development Fund

The Park and Recreation Development Fund is a state-funded grant program administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to support the development and enhancement of public recreation facilities across the state. The program is designed to assist local governments and special purpose districts in expanding access to recreational opportunities for residents within each county. By focusing on both new construction and the improvement of existing facilities, the fund plays a central role in strengthening community infrastructure and promoting outdoor engagement and wellness. The primary objective of the program is to provide financial support for projects that create new public recreation assets or renovate and enhance existing ones. Eligible projects may include the construction of parks, trails, sports facilities, and other community recreation spaces, as well as upgrades that improve accessibility, safety, or usability of current facilities. Funding is distributed through a reimbursable structure, meaning awardees must initially cover project costs and are later reimbursed according to approved terms. The program operates as a noncompetitive funding opportunity, which distinguishes it from many traditional grant programs. Rather than ranking applications against one another, eligible entities are allocated funding amounts and may apply within those limits. Each project must receive endorsement from a majority weighted vote of County Legislative Delegation members, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and legislative support before funding is approved. Applicants must contribute a financial match, as the program follows an 80-20 cost-sharing model. This requires applicants to provide 20 percent of total project costs, while the fund covers up to 80 percent. This structure encourages local investment and shared responsibility in the development of recreational infrastructure. The matching requirement is mandatory and must be demonstrated as part of the application process. Applications are submitted through the SCPRT WebGrants online portal, which serves as the official submission platform. Eligible entities are notified of their allocation amounts annually in July, which informs the scale and scope of projects they may propose. The application process requires submission through this portal and adherence to all program guidelines, including documentation of project scope, budget, and legislative endorsement. The grant operates on a rolling monthly cycle, with applications due on the 10th of each month. This recurring structure allows applicants flexibility in submission timing while maintaining consistent review intervals. Because of this structure, the opportunity remains continuously open throughout the year, provided applicants meet monthly deadlines. Contact for the program is provided through the PARD Grants Coordinator, who can assist with questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, and submission procedures. Overall, the Park and Recreation Development Fund serves as a key mechanism for advancing recreational infrastructure at the local level in South Carolina. Its emphasis on accessibility, community benefit, and partnership between state and local entities ensures that funded projects contribute meaningfully to quality of life and public resource availability across the state.