South Carolina Parks and Recreation Development Fund

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.

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