Park & Trail Grant

The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) has launched its FY 2026 Park and Trail Grant Program to support the development, acquisition, and enhancement of public parks, trails, and recreational facilities within Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. Established by voter approval in November 2000, MEPRD serves as a regional entity to improve quality of life through green space expansion and interconnecting trail networks. This grant program continues MEPRD’s mission by providing supplemental funding to local governments and qualified organizations to further these efforts. The FY 2026 cycle of the MEPRD Park and Trail Grant Program allocates $3,000,000 in total funding. MEPRD will fund up to 40% of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $300,000 available for qualifying trail projects and up to $150,000 for other types of park and recreational improvements. The remaining 60% of the project cost must be covered by the project sponsor through various sources, including local funds, state or federal grants, and donations. However, contributions from MEPRD sources—including this grant, Madison County PEP Funds, and St. Clair County Parks Grants—must not exceed 80% of the total eligible costs. Projects will be reimbursed after full completion and verification by MEPRD. Eligible applicants include government agencies with legal authority to acquire or develop lands for public recreational use, such as municipalities, counties, park districts, and transportation districts. Additionally, universities and 501(c)(3) organizations may apply if the proposed project meets public recreation criteria. Projects must be located in Madison or St. Clair Counties and be open to the public. Schools and school districts are ineligible. To be eligible, projects must primarily focus on the acquisition, development, or improvement of public recreation areas or facilities, and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Trail projects must meet AASHTO standards and be at least ten feet wide. The program opened for applications on July 9, 2025, and will accept submissions through May 29, 2026, or until the full $3,000,000 budget is pledged. Applications must include two original signed hard copies and one high-resolution electronic copy submitted by mail, flash drive, CD, or email. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Applications received after the final deadline or after the funds are fully committed will not be considered. Grant requests may be either contingent or non-contingent. Contingent requests rely on the applicant also receiving a named federal or state appropriation or grant. Non-contingent requests require no other pending funding source and assume the project will begin and complete within the required timelines. Funded projects must begin within one year and be completed within three years of receiving MEPRD's written notice to proceed. Reimbursement requests must be submitted within ninety days of project completion. The project sponsor is responsible for all contracting, management, payments, and long-term maintenance. MEPRD funding cannot be used for ineligible components such as art installations, dog parks, school playgrounds, maintenance buildings, or land acquisition from another public agency. For questions or project eligibility clarifications, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Grant Coordinator Cole Preston at (618) 346-4905 or cpreston@meprd.org. MEPRD’s board will provide funding decisions within 45 days of board presentation. Applicants may also review available program funds on MEPRD’s website at www.meprd.org/park-trail-grant.

Applicants are encouraged to contact MEPRD before applying to confirm project eligibility and request a preliminary review.