The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has launched the Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program to support the development and enhancement of municipal parks and recreational facilities across the state. Funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, this program represents a major investment in community recreation, environmental quality, and public health.

Eligible applicants include counties, cities, towns, and villages located within New York State, and they must own the property where the proposed project will take place. The grants can be used to support the construction and improvement of municipally owned recreational facilities such as playgrounds, sports fields, courts, swimming and biking facilities, boating infrastructure, hiking trails, picnic areas, and other amenities that promote outdoor recreation. While some preconstruction activities such as planning and design may be funded as part of a broader project, grants will not be awarded for standalone planning or design initiatives.

For the 2025 grant cycle, up to $10 million in Bond Act funds is available through the Open Space Land Conservation and Recreation category. An additional round of funding will occur at a later date, bringing the program’s total funding to $20 million. The grant can cover up to 90% of eligible project costs, with a mandatory 10% local match. The maximum award per project is $1,000,000. Grants are administered on a reimbursement basis.

Applications must be submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal by May 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the MPR Program Guidance and consult with their Regional Grants Administrator (RGA) before applying. Contact information for RGAs is available by region and listed in detail on the MPR program page.

The program prioritizes accessibility, equitable distribution of funding, and projects that will benefit disadvantaged communities. Applicants are encouraged to review the Bond Act guidance and related resources, including criteria and maps that define disadvantaged communities, to ensure compliance and enhance competitiveness.

General inquiries can be directed to the OPRHP grants team at nysoprhpgrants@parks.ny.gov or by phone at 518-474-0427. Region-specific questions should be addressed to the appropriate RGA.