The Municipal Park Improvement Program is a grant initiative administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks through the Open Space Trust Fund. This program is designed to provide financial support to municipal governments within Bergen County, New Jersey, to enhance their open space, park, and outdoor recreational facilities. The program aims to supplement municipal efforts in developing and maintaining public recreational spaces, ensuring that communities have access to well-maintained parks and green areas.

The grant funding can be used for a variety of park and recreation improvement projects. This includes the development of new recreational facilities, rehabilitation of existing parks, land acquisition for public outdoor use, and improvements that promote accessibility and sustainability within municipal park systems. The program provides financial assistance to municipalities seeking to enhance public spaces, thereby improving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

Eligible applicants for this grant are municipal governments within Bergen County. The program does not extend funding to private entities, individuals, or organizations outside of municipal governance. Applicants must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Municipal Park Improvement Program Rules and Procedures Manual. Projects must align with the objectives of the Open Space Trust Fund and comply with local and state regulations governing land use and park development.

The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent, which is due by Friday, March 28, 2025. Full grant applications must be submitted to the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Land Management, by 4:30 P.M. on Friday, April 25, 2025. All application materials, including required documentation and forms, must be completed and submitted according to the guidelines provided in the program manual.

Applications are evaluated based on criteria that include project feasibility, alignment with community needs, long-term impact, and financial sustainability. The Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund administrators review submissions to ensure that proposed projects meet program goals and effectively utilize grant funding. Projects that demonstrate broad community benefit and sustainable design are given priority consideration.

For further inquiries and submission of grant documents, applicants should contact Nancy Witkowski, Administrator of the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund. She can be reached via email at nwitkowski@bergencountynj.gov or by phone at (201) 336-7255. The grant office is located at One Bergen County Plaza, 4th Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076.