Funding Available for Outdoor Recreation

South Dakota State Parks and Recreation Director Katie Ceroll announced that applications are being accepted for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Public outdoor recreation projects sponsored by city, county, township and tribal governments are eligible to receive the grant money.

“Outdoor recreation is important to a healthy community,” Ceroll said. “The variety of recreational activities that local parks have to offer allows families to spend time together close to home.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides up to 50% reimbursement for approved outdoor recreation projects.

“Grants will be awarded for development or renovation of public outdoor recreation facilities or the acquisition of park land,” Ceroll said. “The grants will be a minimum of $10,000 and the maximum will be $75,000 in federal funds. There will be $435,000 available to award to projects.”

Some eligible projects may include, but are not limited to: j Playgrounds j Ballfields j Sport and play fields j Picnic facilities j Pools j Ice rinks j Golf courses j Amphitheaters j Winter sports facilities j Visitor information facilities j Land Acquisition

Application packets are available online at gfp.sd.gov. The application deadline is August 26, 2016.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will work with successful grant applicants to assist in complying with new federal grant reporting and monitoring requirements and new state internal control and conflict of interest requirements.

LWCF funds are federal dollars that are apportioned to states by Congress to fund public outdoor recreation projects. For more information contact Grants Coordinator Randy Kittle by email randy.kittle@state.sd.us or by phone at 605-773-5490.