Park & Trail Grant

The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) is a regional public agency formed by voters in November 2000 to develop a public system of parks and interconnecting trails throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. MEPRD often supplements the efforts of local governments, special districts, and other entities engaged in parks and recreation development. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents by improving and expanding the region’s park and trail offerings. The MEPRD FY 2025 Park and Trail Grant Program offers financial assistance to support eligible park and trail projects located within Madison and St. Clair Counties. The total program funding for FY 2025 is $3 million. The program aims to foster the acquisition, development, and improvement of publicly accessible recreational facilities and amenities. Eligible projects include parks, trails, recreation centers, greenways, bike lanes, trailheads, playgrounds, ADA improvements, and various other recreational infrastructure elements. However, there are specific exclusions such as administrative buildings, clubhouses, dog parks, and school district playgrounds. Grants awarded through this program will not exceed 40 percent of the total project cost. The maximum award is $300,000 for qualifying trail projects and $150,000 for all other eligible project types. The program is structured as a reimbursement grant; funds are disbursed only after project completion and final inspection by MEPRD staff. Applicants are required to contribute a minimum cost share—50 percent for standard applicants and 25 percent for rural or economically distressed applicants. State or federal grants can be used to meet the local match requirement. Eligible applicants include government agencies with statutory authority to acquire and develop public parks and trails, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Schools and school districts are ineligible. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis from July 10, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. until May 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., or until all program funds are allocated. Submissions must include two original hard copies and one high-resolution electronic copy. Applications must be complete and received at least one week before the desired board meeting for review. MEPRD provides a 45-day response window following board meetings. The application process requires submission of a detailed project scope, cost estimates, development plans, project schedule, maintenance plan, resolution of support, documentation of other grants or donations, and future plans for parks and recreation. Applicants are encouraged to contact the MEPRD Grant Coordinator, Cole Preston, via phone at (618) 346-4905 or email at cpreston@meprd.org for pre-application discussions and assistance. Additional guidelines and forms are available on MEPRD’s website at www.meprd.org/park-trail-grant. Prospective applicants should also note that projects must begin within one year and be completed within three years of receiving the notice to proceed. The grant program is not offered on a rolling basis but is expected to recur annually.

Contact MEPRD Grant Coordinator early to discuss proposed project and verify eligibility. Submit complete applications including all attachments in required formats. Adhere to application deadlines and project timelines.