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Grant Guide

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Minnesota DNR

Outdoor Recreation Grants

Overview

Overview

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This program seeks to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state. The grant program provides matching funds to local governments for acquiring parkland and developing or redeveloping local parks or recreation areas.

Grant Website

Funds

0% pie chartGrants are reimbursed up to 50% of the total eligible project cost. Grants are primarily funded with federal dollars from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON). State funding from the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust fund and “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds are sometimes used.

Application & Review Process

The DNR reviews all applications. Applications are judged based on consistency with strategic directions identified in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Eligibility

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, skating rinks, swimming areas, non-motorized trails within a park, etc.

Applicants

Cities, counties, townships, and tribal governments are eligible. Applicant must be current or intended owner and manager of the property to be acquired or developed.

Geography

Projects must take place within Minnesota at city, county, or township parks.

Statistics & Examples

Statistics & Examples

Funding History

YearFunds Awarded# ProjectsAverage Award
FY20$3,615,05022$164,320
FY19$1,832,20020$91,610
FY18$1,254,00012$104,500
FY17$580,8759$64,542
FY16$638,6389$70,960

FY20 Project Distribution

Past Award Examples

AmountRecipientProject
$18,150Beltrami CountyRognlien Park: Develop a winter fishing access, walkways, benches and stabilize the eroding beach bank.
$32,500City of RoseauCity Center Park: Develop access trails, resting areas, information kiosk, kayak launch, rain garden, natural restoration and site amenities.
$100,000City of St. Louis ParkWestwood Hills Nature Center: Develop a nature playground.
$160,000City of WaconiaBrook Peterson Park: Redevelop restrooms, pedestrian access points, multi-use trails and develop picnic shelter and lighting.
$250,000Sherburne CountyBridgeview Regional Park Reserve: Develop two scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River, trails, parking, access road and educational signs (kiosk).