DCNR Grants Available for Community Parks, Recreation

State Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Adams Dunn has announced that applications are now being accepted for recreation and conservation projects in communities across Pennsylvania. Applications are due April 14. Local governments and recreation and conservation organizations may apply for the grants, which are funded through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of parks, forests, and trails to mental and physical health, Dunn said. The grants can help communities with local park acquisition and improvements, trails, and river access. 

New this year, applicants will be asked to explain how their project implements sustainable and climate-resilient adaptations and/or mitigation. To learn more about the new criteria, click here.  

Grants may be used to plan, acquire, or develop public parks, recreation areas, motorized and non-motorized trails, river conservation and access, streamside forest buffers, and open space conservation. To learn more, click here. To view videos about grant requirements and how to apply, click here.