South Carolina Parks and Recreation Development Fund
This program provides funding to local governments and special purpose districts in South Carolina for permanent improvements to public parks and recreational facilities, requiring community and legislative support.
The Park and Recreation Development (PARD) Fund is administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (SCPRT). Established under the authority of Chapter 23, Title 51 of the South Carolina Code of Laws in 1987, the program provides state-funded, noncompetitive, reimbursable grants to support eligible local governments and special purpose districts that develop or enhance public recreation facilities. Funding is sourced from state bingo tax revenues, apportioned annually to each county beginning July 1 of the fiscal year, with a minimum base allocation of $20,000. Additional funds are distributed according to county population. Each county’s legislative delegation determines the allocation of its county’s share of PARD funds. The program’s intent is to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of public recreation infrastructure across South Carolina. Eligible projects include planning, development, and renovation of public recreational facilities such as athletic fields, playgrounds, courts, trails, and multipurpose community recreation amenities. Projects must serve the general public and meet all relevant environmental, accessibility, and historical preservation standards. Routine maintenance, administrative costs, and non-recreational facilities such as museums, offices, or libraries are ineligible. All funded projects must remain accessible and operational for the duration of an established agreement period, typically five to twenty years depending on project size. PARD operates as an 80-20 matching program: the state reimburses up to 80% of eligible costs, and the local sponsor must contribute at least 20% through cash or force account labor by government employees. Volunteer labor, donated materials, and administrative expenses are not eligible as match contributions. Funding is disbursed on a reimbursement basis, requiring complete documentation of expenditures including invoices, canceled checks, procurement records, and proof of payment. All procurement activities must adhere to South Carolina State Procurement Guidelines, with requirements increasing in formality based on project size. Applications are accepted monthly through SCPRT’s WebGrants portal. Beginning July 2024, all applications must be submitted electronically. A complete submission includes an application form, property deed or lease, county legislative delegation endorsement representing more than 50% of the weighted vote, a historical significance certification, site map, and site photographs. Projects are reviewed and approved monthly, typically on the 15th. Work performed prior to SCPRT’s project agreement date is ineligible for reimbursement. Once approved, sponsors must maintain facilities for public use throughout the agreement term and display a PARD acknowledgment sign at the project site. The program is ongoing with recurring monthly funding cycles. County allocations are renewed each July, and approved entities are notified of available funds by SCPRT. Once approved, projects must be completed within three years or the funds revert to the county account for reallocation. The PARD Program exemplifies South Carolina’s commitment to fostering equitable access to recreation, health, and community engagement through responsible public investment in park and leisure infrastructure. For more information, applicants can contact Alesha Cushman, PARD Grants Coordinator, at 803-734-0185 or acushman@scprt.com, or visit SCPRT’s official grants page.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
7
Matching Requirement
Yes - 20% match required.
Additional Details
80% reimbursement match; 20% local match required; projects reimbursed upon completion and verification.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
An eligible entity is any local government unit, including special purpose districts, which has provided parks or recreation services for at least twelve (12) months prior to the date of application. Such eligibility will be determined by SCPRT. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation &Tourism is the only State agency eligible for funding. SCPRTwill annually review all agencies and will assign each agency to a classification. These classifications are as follows:CLASS “A”: a local unit of governmentthathas as one of its primary responsibilities the provision of full time park and recreation facilities and services open to the general public and has provided such for the previous twelve month period. These entities have real property under their direct control, which they use for public recreation purposes,or schedule on going activities of a comprehensive nature.CLASS “B”: a local unit of government which has as one of its responsibilities the provision of park and recreation facilities and services open to the general public and has provided such for the previous twelve month period.CLASS “C”: a local unit of government which provides park and recreation facilities or services open to the generalpublic as a secondary function and has provided these facilities or services for the previous twelve month period.CLASS “D”: all entities, thatdo not meet the requirements of one of the three (3) above described classes,or entities, thathave lost their eligibility and as a result are ineligible for PARD funds.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
November 10, 2025
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