Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC)

The Illinois Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is designed to support the development and rehabilitation of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. Created by Public Act 096-0820 and funded through the Build Illinois Bond Fund, this program emphasizes capital projects that provide long-term benefits to public park and recreation infrastructure. The primary goal of the program is to help local governments construct or renovate indoor recreational facilities, which are often excluded from other IDNR grant initiatives. Outdoor facilities may also be supported, provided they meet specific bondability requirements. Under the FY2023 grant cycle, approximately $28 million is available for distribution. Local governments may apply for grants covering up to 75% of project costs. Disadvantaged communities, as determined by IDNR based on economic and demographic criteria, may qualify for up to 90% reimbursement. A single project may request no more than $2.8 million, and the minimum total project cost must be $25,000. No single project may exceed 10% of the total funds appropriated for the year. The Chicago Park District is allocated 20% of total funding, while the remaining 80% is reserved for eligible local governments outside Chicago. Eligible applicants include a broad range of Illinois local government units such as counties, townships, municipalities, park districts, conservation districts, and river conservancy districts. All applicants must be registered with the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal. Projects must involve a single site and can include acquisition, development, new construction, or major rehabilitation. Proposed activities must be bondable and designed for a public recreational purpose, with a minimum life span of 20 years. Funds may not be used for operational expenses, temporary structures, or non-bondable items such as standard furniture or minor renovations. The 2023 application period opened on May 1 and closed on June 15. Applications were required to be submitted electronically through the AmpliFund system and had to include an application fee based on the funding request. Disadvantaged communities were exempt from this fee. Additionally, awardees are required to pay a grant award fee upon execution of the grant agreement, which is capped at $5,000. All applications are reviewed on a competitive basis and evaluated according to a formal scoring rubric that includes factors such as community need, public support, recreational diversity, and project readiness. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult IDNR staff before submission to ensure eligibility and to avoid common pitfalls. The application requires documentation including site control evidence, environmental assessments, cost estimates, architectural plans, and project narratives. Projects must be completed within 24 months of the grant agreement execution. Reimbursements are processed upon 50% or 100% completion of the project and require CPA-certified billing statements. All awarded projects must remain open to the public for recreation use and comply with ADA and Illinois Accessibility Code standards. The use of funded facilities must not be limited to any exclusive group, such as schools or private organizations. For more information, applicants can contact the IDNR Office of Grant Management and Assistance at dnr.grants@illinois.gov or (217) 782-7481. All grant documentation, including applications and administrative rules, can be accessed at www.dnr.illinois.gov/grants.

Applicants are encouraged to contact IDNR before submission, ensure eligibility and bondability, use AmpliFund, and confirm fee amounts.