School Districts Among Those Receiving $25 Million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Local Government Services announced the award of $25 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor space and recreational facilities. The grants were awarded to 352 local governments after a competitive application process.

The New Jersey School Boards Association reviewed the list of award recipients, which includes the local school districts listed below.

“This administration is committed to putting New Jerseyans first in everything we do. Today’s announcement by the Department of Community Affairs shows that we are delivering on that promise,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “With $25 million in awards to communities across the state, we are investing in the amenities that matter most to our residents – from biking and hiking trails to playgrounds and outdoor facilities – without putting the burden on taxpayers. This is a win for our communities and a testament to the power of partnership in achieving our shared goals.”

“Ensuring public access to recreational opportunities is imperative for people’s mental and physical health,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “For this reason, the Local Recreation Improvement Grant program aims to provide grants to communities in need to help them strengthen and improve their recreational spaces and programs.”

Grant recipients will use the funding to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities. The grants can also be utilized for project development professional services such as engineering and architectural costs; equipment costs including playgrounds or bleachers for stadiums or community theaters; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use.

A copy of the FY 2023 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Management Guidelines can also be found here.

To qualify for grant funding, applicants had to:

• Describe the intended use of grant funding for improvement or repair of a specific local recreation site.
• Identify any previously encountered obstacles to repair or improve the recreation site.
• Demonstrate their ability to complete the proposed project and provide project management and oversight for all activities and fiscal operations.
• List key personnel and/or the outside consultant that will be managing the grant funds and proposed project.
• Provide a cost breakdown of the project.
• Submit a governing body resolution acknowledging and approving any grant application and the proposed plan or design for the recreation space or community facility for which funding is sought.
• Certify that the property where improvements will be made is owned by the county, municipality, or school district.

Grant applications were evaluated based on distressed community ranking, financial need, project feasibility, local match commitment and scope of impact.

The Local Recreation Improvement Grants are reimbursement based. There is no advance payment or drawdown of grant funds. Eligible costs are reimbursed to the local government when it submits evidence of payment of qualifying expenses to DCA.