The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' Division of Local Government Services has announced the allocation of $25 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants. These grants have been awarded to 372 local governments, including counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey. The funding aims to ensure public access to quality outdoor spaces and recreational facilities.
This year marks the highest number of grant recipients since the program began three years ago. DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez stated, "DCA recognizes that a big part of what makes a community healthy and dynamic is having well-maintained public places for outdoor activities. For three years running, the Department has provided grants to local governments to help them upgrade their parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational spaces." She added that they are proud of this investment due to its positive impact on people's physical and mental well-being.
Recipients will use the funds for updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, trails, courts, and other facilities. Additionally, the grants cover costs for project development services like engineering and architecture; equipment such as playgrounds or bleachers; and environmental remediation necessary for site preparation.
Details on grant recipients can be found on the DCA website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/lriggrants.shtml. The FY 2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Management Guidelines are also available online.
Applications were assessed based on factors such as distressed community ranking, financial need, project feasibility, local match commitment, and scope of impact.
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