This program seeks to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state by providing matching funds to local governments for acquiring parkland and developing or redeveloping local parks or recreation areas.
Grant Guide
Overview
Application & Review Process
Deadline: April 1, 2024
The DNR reviews all applications. Applications are judged based on consistency with strategic directions identified in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Funding Amount
$10,000 – $250,000
Grants are reimbursed up to 50% of the total eligible project cost. In the past, grants have been primarily funded with federal dollars from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON) and state funding from the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund and “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds.
Eligibility
Projects
Acquisition, (re-)development, and/or rehabilitation of outdoor recreation facilities, such as boat access sites, campgrounds, fishing areas, skating rinks, nature areas, picnic shelters, playgrounds, sports courts, swimming areas, non-motorized trails within a park, etc.
Infrastructure
Land/Resource
Applicants
Cities, counties, and townships are eligible. Applicant must be current or intended owner and manager of the property to be acquired or developed.
Government Entity
Land Type & Geography
Projects must take place within Minnesota at city, county, or township parks. Projects within state park boundaries or designated regional parks are not eligible.
Local
Parks
Statistics & Examples
Funding History
| Year | Funds Awarded | # Projects | Average Award |
| FY21 | $3,041,900 | 16 | $190,119 |
| FY20 | $3,615,050 | 22 | $164,320 |
| FY19 | $1,832,200 | 20 | $91,610 |
| FY18 | $1,254,000 | 12 | $104,500 |
| FY17 | $580,875 | 9 | $64,542 |
| FY16 | $638,638 | 9 | $70,960 |
FY21 Project Distribution
Past Award Examples
| Amount | Recipient | Project |
| $18,150 | Beltrami County | Rognlien Park: Develop a winter fishing access, walkways, benches and stabilize the eroding beach bank. |
| $32,500 | City of Roseau | City Center Park: Develop access trails, resting areas, information kiosk, kayak launch, rain garden, natural restoration and site amenities. |
| $49,000 | City of Rochester | Silver Lake Park: Redevelop playground, parking, nature play element, and rain garden. |
| $100,000 | City of St. Louis Park | Westwood Hills Nature Center: Develop a nature playground. |
| $186,000 | City of Orr | Orr Bog Walk: Redevelop half-mile board walk through a bog and to the shoreline of the Pelican River. |