Open Space Fund Grant Cycle

The Open Space Fund Grant administered by the Johnston County Parks and Open Space Department provides financial assistance to support capital improvements and land acquisitions that enhance recreational access and environmental stewardship for residents of Johnston County, North Carolina. Established under the North Carolina General Statutes, the fund allows for the purchase, development, or improvement of outdoor, permanent-use sites for both passive and active recreation. All sites developed through this program must remain open to the general public on a nondiscriminatory basis and must serve the area where the funds were originally collected. The program reflects the county’s long-term strategy to expand equitable access to parks, greenways, and open spaces throughout all high school district boundaries. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners oversees the Open Space Fund and allocates approximately two-thirds of available funds for use within existing high school district attendance zones, while reserving one-third for future countywide projects. The policy emphasizes fairness in distribution and ensures that resources are available for both local initiatives and broader public recreation improvements. Eligible entities include local municipalities, incorporated nonprofits, and public agencies that primarily serve Johnston County residents. Priority consideration is given to well-established organizations, including municipalities, rural athletic associations, and public schools with an active service record in the county. Eligible projects must consist of either fixed-asset capital improvements or land acquisitions related to new or existing recreation sites. All applicants are required to provide a minimum 25 percent match toward total project costs. Proposed projects must comply with relevant code requirements, consider ADA accessibility, and ensure minimal adverse impacts on neighboring properties. Projects funded in prior years must remain in good and serviceable condition to qualify for new funding. Each awarded project must be completed within 24 months of receiving funds. The application cycle for the 2025 grant year opens October 1 and closes October 31, 2025. Interested applicants must submit their proposals to both the County Manager’s Office and the Parks and Open Space Department, either in person or by email. Following review, applicants will be contacted for a meeting to discuss project feasibility, after which staff will make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Awards are expected to be approved in December 2025. The department strongly encourages applicants to consult staff before submission to confirm eligibility and project alignment with the program’s goals. Funds available for this cycle total approximately $2,035,750, with district-level distributions published in the county’s official grant policy. Successful projects must demonstrate community benefit, public access, and long-term sustainability. For inquiries or assistance, applicants may contact Austin Cross, Parks and Open Space Grant Coordinator, at austin.cross@johnstonnc.gov or 919-989-5838, or Adrian O’Neal, Director of Parks, Greenways, and Open Space, at adrian.oneal@johnstonnc.gov or 919-989-5150. The Johnston County Parks and Open Space Program office is located at 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577. "

Consult Parks staff before submission to confirm project eligibility; ensure 25% match and completion within 24 months.