The Pickaway County Park District is now accepting applications for the 2025 Park and Trail Improvement Grant program, marking the 11th round of this initiative. A total of $100,000 has been allocated to support local park and trail projects within Pickaway County. Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded over $600,000 to 66 projects, fostering improvements and development in local outdoor spaces.

For the 2025 cycle, applicants can submit proposals in three categories: Master Plan Creation, Master Plan Improvement, or Park & Trail Improvement. Organizations with an existing Master Plan can apply for the Master Plan Improvement category to fund specific projects identified in their plans. Applicants may also submit proposals for both the Master Plan Creation and Park & Trail Improvement categories but must designate a priority project if applying for multiple grants.

Funding is divided as follows: $15,000 for Master Plan Creation, $15,000 for Park & Trail Improvement, and $70,000 for Master Plan Improvement projects. Due to limited funds and high demand, this year’s cycle is expected to be highly competitive, and not all proposals may receive funding.

Applications are available for pick-up at the Park District Headquarters in South Bloomfield, Ohio, or can be accessed online. Submissions can be made in person, via USPS mail, or by email, with all applications due by 4:00 PM on December 13, 2024. Grant awards will be announced by January 31, 2025.

For more information or assistance, applicants can contact the Park District by phone or email Wendi Caudill directly. This grant program continues to support community efforts to create and enhance outdoor spaces for the benefit of Pickaway County residents.