South Carolina Parks and Recreation Development Fund

The Park and Recreation Development (PARD) Fund is a noncompetitive, reimbursable grant initiative administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT). Established in 1987 through Chapter 23 of Title 51 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the program is designed to support eligible local government units and special purpose district entities that have been providing public recreational services for at least 12 months prior to applying. PARD funding is specifically intended for the development of new public recreation facilities or the renovation of existing ones that are permanently or semi-permanently accessible to the public. The funding originates from state-collected bingo taxes, and is allocated on a county-by-county basis each fiscal year, with each county receiving a minimum base allocation of $20,000. The program operates on a monthly cycle and reimburses up to 80% of eligible project costs. Local governments are responsible for providing a minimum 20% match through cash, force account labor, or equipment usage—though donated materials and volunteer labor are not permitted as match. To qualify, the proposed projects must receive the endorsement of the county legislative delegation representing a majority weighted vote share, ensuring local political support and alignment. Eligible projects must relate directly to the planning, development, or renovation of public recreational facilities. This includes master planning, accessibility upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and new indoor or outdoor facility construction. SCPRT specifically excludes projects focused on administrative offices, museums, senior centers, and non-recreational structures. Additionally, maintenance equipment and routine upkeep are ineligible. All applications must be submitted via the SCPRT WebGrants online system. Prospective applicants must be registered users of the platform. Each submission must include a complete project application form, endorsement by the legislative delegation (with a combined weight factor of more than 50%), a deed or lease agreement for the project site, a historical significance certification, a site map, and current site photographs. Even for returning applicants with previously funded sites, all documentation must be resubmitted with each application. SCPRT reviews and approves complete applications by the 15th of each month. Applications received after that date will be evaluated the following month. Importantly, work conducted prior to receiving formal approval through a signed project agreement is ineligible for reimbursement. The duration of the project agreement is determined by the funding level. Projects under $5,000 must remain compliant for a minimum of 5 years, while those exceeding $20,000 must comply for 20 years. Approved projects must be maintained in a safe, accessible, and inclusive manner, and remain open to the public throughout the agreement period. SCPRT requires installation of a visible sign acknowledging the use of state grant funds. Any project performed on leased property must have an appropriate lease agreement in place, and in the event of lease termination, improvements must be relocated at the project sponsor’s expense. Reimbursement is contingent on the submission of a range of documentation, including billing data sheets, procurement records, employee and equipment time sheets, and proof of payment. All procurement activities must conform to the South Carolina State Procurement Guidelines, with different documentation thresholds based on expenditure levels. SCPRT also conducts final site inspections before issuing final reimbursements. If documentation is incomplete or expenditures fall outside the project agreement period, reimbursement may be delayed or denied. For further information, applicants are advised to contact Alesha Cushman, PARD Grants Coordinator, at 803-734-0185 or via email at [email protected]. The application deadline is the 10th of each month, with approvals issued by the 15th. The program is recurring annually and applications are accepted monthly, making it a continuous opportunity for local governments across South Carolina to invest in recreational infrastructure and public well-being.

Wait for official SCPRT confirmation before beginning work. Reimbursements are denied for any expenses incurred before approval. Documentation must be complete for payment.