Outdoor enthusiasts and folks keen on accessible recreation across North Carolina can look forward to enhanced local parks and facilities, thanks to a hefty $12.5 million in state grants announced by Governor Josh Stein, funding that infuses over $20 million into municipal and county parks statewide when combined with earlier Accessible Parks grants and matching local funds, according to a recent report from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) spearheads the initiative, distributing more than $8.7 million for 22 projects that aim to beautify local spaces and make them more inclusive, projects that were selected at an August 22 meeting, and earlier this summer, an additional $3.8 million was directed towards enhancing park accessibility for visitors with disabilities, and when considering the applicants’ dollar-for-dollar match for these grants, the investment is poised to bolster both the economic and health prospects for communities across the state, albeit the impressive funds allocation does not distract from the reality that they reviewed 41 grant applications requesting more than $16.5 million, this indicating the possibly unmet need for further funding in future endeavors.
“North Carolina has incredible natural beauty, and a strong parks system allows every North Carolinian to enjoy it for years to come,” said Governor Josh Stein, emphasizing the anticipated benefits that include fortified local economies and improved quality of life for residents, while a maximum of $500,000 can be awarded to a single project, all applicants are required to match the grant amounts with their own funds; a policy designed to promote investment and engagement from the local level.
In tandem, the Accessible Parks Grant program, first authorized in the 2023 budget, emphasizes inclusivity, providing matching grants to parks ensuring access for people living with disabilities, a program that further underscores the state’s commitment to its citizens by mandating a $1 commitment from local funds for every $5 in grant funds, and “Congratulations to the grant recipients. We look forward to seeing the impact of this funding in communities across the state,” relayed Pamela Cashwell, Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
With over 264,000 acres of scenic parks under management and over 19 million annual visitors, the Division of Parks and Recreation plays a crucial role not just in maintaining but also in advancing the state’s natural and cultural resources, an enhancement strategy that the department’s broad management of arts, history, and natural attractions across North Carolina, furthers, aiming to boost everything from education to public health, aligning perfectly with PARTF’s goals and adding yet another chapter to a story of conservation, education, and recreation that NC residents can enjoy and cherish.
