NC Communities to Receive $6.2 Million for Parks and Rec

On September 7, 2017, Governor Roy Cooper announced $6.2 million in grants to fund local parks and recreation projects through this year’s awards of the state’s Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF).

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority selected 22 projects across NC to receive grants at a meeting held August 25, 2017 at the NC Nature Research Center in Raleigh.

The 22 local governments awarded grants are:

  • Nash County: Nash County Play Together Regional Park (see the county site plan)
  • Town of Tarboro: Braswell Playground Renovations
  • City of Wilson: Cavalier Terrace
  • Greene County: Greene County Wellness Center
  • Chatham County: Enhancement of Briar Chapel Park
  • City of Burlington: Willowbrook Park
  • Halifax County: Halifax County Recreation Improvements
  • Town of Oak Island: Middleton Park Redevelopment
  • City of Sanford: Kiwanis Family Park Renovations
  • Catawba County: Riverbend Park Expansion
  • Yadkin County: Yadkin Memorial Park Recreation
  • Alamance County: Haw River Trail Mountains to Sea Trail
  • Davidson County: Wil-Cox Bridge Recreation Area
  • Town of New London: New London Park Project
  • City of Archdale: Creekside Park Enhancements
  • Polk County: Little White Oak Mountain
  • Town of Valdese: Lake Rhodhiss Park Acquisition
  • Town of North Topsail Beach: Town Park Renovation
  • Town of Forest City: Thermal Belt Phase Trail Phase 1
  • Burke County: Fonta Flora State Trail
  • Town of Oakboro: Long Street Veteran’s Park Project
  • City of Dunn: Clarence Lee Tart Park Improvements

Local communities applied for the grants to fund land acquisition, development and renovation of public park and recreation areas. The NC Parks and Recreation Authority considered 60 grant applications requesting nearly $18.3 million. The maximum grant awarded for a single project under the program was $500,000. Awardees must match funds dollar-for-dollar for the awarded amount.

“Parks and recreation opportunities promote health and well being and improve quality of life for people across North Carolina,” Governor Cooper said in announcing the grants. “I am proud that our Parks and Recreation Trust Fund is able to support these local projects to strengthen communities.”

Susi Hamilton, secretary of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), spent many years working in community planning and appreciates the local impact of the PARTF grants. “These projects are shining examples of how we can make the most out of our communities. From small towns to big cities, these projects will create new opportunities for us all to connect with our fellow North Carolinians.”

“North Carolinians absolutely love their parks,” said Reid Wilson, chief deputy secretary of NC DNCR. “Congratulations to the local governments that won grants to create and expand park facilities that will improve health and quality of life in their communities.”

Bringing communities together through parks and greenspace throughout the state stands out to Mike Murphy, director of the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. “Communities thrive when great parks and greenspace become central to the daily lives of their citizens,” he said. “The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund has worked since 1995 to help communities build on their commitments to conservation, recreation and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, online here, is administered through the state Division of Parks and Recreation and was established in 1994 by the NC General Assembly. A list of PARTF grants over the years, organized by county, may be accessed here (PDF).

 

Source: Ford Porter, NC Office of the Governor

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