The Delaware Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant initiative managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). It was created in 1986 and is funded through annual deposits from Delaware’s real estate transfer tax. These funds are held in trust, and the income generated supports the ORPT program, which has distributed over $34 million in grant assistance since 1988.
The program is designed to support public park land acquisition, the development of outdoor recreation facilities, and planning and design for parks and trails across the state of Delaware. The initiative prioritizes enhancements that promote accessibility and inclusive design. Eligible projects include a wide range of recreational infrastructure such as picnic areas, playgrounds, lighting systems, restroom and maintenance facilities, skate parks, bridges, and trails.
Eligible applicants are limited to municipal and county governments and park districts within Delaware. A two-step application process is in place: interested applicants must begin by submitting a pre-application during the open grant cycle. While this step does not require a formal commitment, it is essential for eligibility to submit a full application. Only those who complete the pre-application and are deemed eligible will be invited to proceed with a full application.
The 2025 grant cycle is currently active. Pre-applications must be submitted by May 16, 2025. After a review process, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals by the deadline of September 15, 2025. These applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of members from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the Delaware Department of Transportation Planning staff, and DNREC staff. The recommendations from this committee will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Council during their November meeting, after which final decisions will be made by the DNREC Secretary.
Final approvals and execution of grant agreements are expected in the first quarter of 2026. For additional guidance and information, applicants are encouraged to consult the program’s online resources, including a grant program webinar recording and project planning guides. Michael Tholstrup, Planning Manager, serves as the point of contact for the program and can be reached at 302-739-9215.
