County Opportunity Grant Program

The County Opportunity Grant Program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and has been operating since 1983. It is funded by a portion of recreational vehicle registration fees and provides approximately $800,000 annually for projects across the state. The program is specifically intended to help counties acquire, develop, rehabilitate, and plan county park and recreation areas that include overnight camping facilities. By focusing on camping, the program strengthens county park systems, improves access, and ensures that public recreation sites are safe, sustainable, and inclusive. The program supports four types of eligible projects. Acquisition projects involve purchasing property to create or expand camping facilities, and must include appraisals that meet state and federal standards. Development projects cover the creation of new campgrounds, additions to existing facilities, or related support improvements such as restrooms, parking areas, trails, picnic areas, and utility systems. Rehabilitation projects focus on upgrading facilities to meet ADA and safety standards, including remodeling showers, restrooms, and campsites. Planning projects allow counties to prepare feasibility studies, master plans, or site assessments that will guide future campground development, but do not fund engineered drawings or ground-disturbing tests. Eligibility is restricted to Oregon counties that own land outright or hold a lease of at least 20 years. Counties without a formal park system and with fewer than 30,000 residents may also apply for campground projects at or near fairgrounds. In cases where county-owned land is managed by another public entity, an interagency agreement is required. The county must maintain clear ownership, control, or tenure of the property for the duration of the project and commit to using the site for recreation. Facilities where recreation is secondary, such as courthouse lawns, ports, or museums, are ineligible unless exceptions are met. Applications are completed online through the OPRD Grants system. Required attachments include park boundary and site maps, vicinity and topography maps, construction drawings (if applicable), property deeds or lease agreements, resolutions from county commissioners, environmental checklists, and agency review comments. Acquisition projects require appraisals, title reports, and willing seller letters. Rehabilitation applications must also include project site photos. Applicants must also provide information about their park system, project description, community need, accessibility, funding sources, sustainability, readiness to proceed, diversity and equity strategies, and history with prior grant performance. Applications undergo a technical review by OPRD staff, followed by evaluation by the County Parks Assistance Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of counties, recreation vehicle owners, people with disabilities, and the public. Projects are scored across nine criteria, including need, public involvement, accessibility, sustainability, readiness, and equity. Scores are then forwarded to the OPRD Director and Commission for final award decisions. Projects are subject to site inspections, and grantees must begin work within one year and complete within two years. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, with up to 90 percent of the award available mid-project and the remaining 10 percent after completion. The program requires cost-sharing. Counties with fewer than 30,000 residents must provide a 25 percent local match, while those with more than 30,000 residents must provide a 50 percent match. Eligible match sources include county funds, other grants, labor, equipment, donated materials, or land. Matches must be dedicated to a single project and cannot be counted twice across programs. The Director may reduce or waive match requirements under exceptional need. Applicants must also comply with federal and state nondiscrimination laws, ensure projects follow sustainability practices, and agree to maintain public access for at least 20 years following project completion. For the 2025–26 cycle, applications open August 1, 2025, and close October 1, 2025. The advisory committee will review projects in November 2025, with awards approved in spring 2026. Agreements and notices to proceed are expected in February or March 2026. For assistance, applicants may contact Julian Fedorchuk, Grant Program Coordinator, at 503-689-3009 or Julian.Fedorchuk@oprd.oregon.gov. Program details and application forms are available at OPRDGrants.org and on the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s grant program website.

Include detailed maps, site photos, construction drawings, and commissioner resolutions. Ensure ADA and environmental compliance early.