FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2014DEP AWARDS GRANTS FOR LOCAL RECREATION PROJECTS ~Governor and Legislature fund $2.4 million for community projects~ TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program has granted more than $2.4 million for 51 outdoor recreation projects in 26 counties. The Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program is a competitive grant program, funded by the Florida Legislature, which provides financial assistance to local governments to develop and/or acquire land for public outdoor recreational purposes.
"This program helps local communities acquire and develop outdoor spaces for residents," said Rick Mercer, director of DEP's Office of Operations. "We are pleased that the Governor and Legislature support this program and local communities." Grant applications were received between Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 last year.
Forty-seven projects were funded up to $50,000 and four projects were funded for lesser amounts. Matching funds are not required for grants at this level. Each grantee has up to three years to complete the project. A few of the projects funded by these grants are listed below: - Renovation of playground equipment, picnic facilities, new bike trails and RV hookups at the Mariana Educational Recreational Expo Complex in Marianna, Jackson County;
- Construction of playground and picnic facilities at Bernice G. Jackson Park in Brevard County;
- Construction of playground, parking, ADA restrooms, basketball court and baseball field at Larkin Park in Umatilla, Lake County; and
- Construction of picnic facilities, renovation of soccer field and playground improvements at Village Green in the Village of Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County.
The grants section of the Bureau of Financial Management administers grants to local governments through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Eligible participants include all county governments, municipalities in Florida and other legally constituted local governmental entities with the responsibility for providing outdoor recreational sites and facilities for the general public. More information can be found HERE. |
About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America's first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida's 171 state parks and trails inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida's natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience while visiting. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org
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