By 1808Delaware
Preservation Parks of Delaware County has carved out $100,000 in its 2025 budget for the Community Park & Trail Improvement Program Grant. The money is earmarked to boost neighborhood parks and connect residents to nature through safer, more inviting trails and recreation areas.
Who Can Apply?
Cities, villages, townships, park districts, and qualified non-profits operating inside Delaware County may submit proposals. Partnerships between jurisdictions—or between a local government and a non-profit—are encouraged, especially when they stretch limited dollars or expand public access.
What Projects Qualify?
- Building or upgrading playgrounds, ballfields, picnic shelters, and trailheads
- Extending or resurfacing multi-use trails and greenways
- Buying land or easements that secure future public open space
- Major maintenance that restores aging park amenities to full use
Imaginative ideas that improve accessibility or environmental sustainability often rise to the top. A recent example is the county’s first braille-interpreted trail, funded with an earlier grant cycle and now welcoming visitors of all abilities.
Key Dates and How to Apply
- Application window: now through 11:59 PM on October 1 2025
- Required materials: completed application form, project narrative, budget, timeline, and evidence of community support
- Submission portal: Preservation Parks’ website under “Bidding & Contractor Information → Grants”
Grant reviewers will score applications on public benefit, readiness, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. Awards are expected to be announced in December, giving recipients time to break ground when weather allows in spring 2026.
Building on Past Success
Since the grant program’s launch, dollars have helped create shaded rest stops along the Ohio to Erie Trail, install kayak launches on the Olentangy River, and light up ballfields so leagues can play past sunset. These projects demonstrate how a modest county-level grant can spark bigger regional partnerships—and give residents more places to walk, ride, and recharge close to home.
For full guidelines, downloadable forms, or questions about project eligibility, visit Preservation Parks online or call the park district office. Early conversations with staff are welcomed to fine-tune proposals before the rush of last-minute submissions.
