County Looking to Partner with Local Governments, Non-Profits, to Increase Outdoor Recreation Across Dane County
January 27, 2014
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858
County Executive
$750,000 Available Through the Partners for Recreation and
Conservation Grant Program (PARC)
Dane County wants to partner with local governments and non-profit organizations to help improve or create outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthen their tourism economy through its Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) grant program, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.
“Over the years the county has been proud to partner with communities and groups to help complete major outdoor recreation projects that boost local tourism and enhance Dane County’s natural spaces,” said Parisi. “Grant awards in nearly every corner of the county have connected more people with the outdoors with new trails, regional sports facilities, park enhancements, and more.”
Parisi included $750,000 in grant funding in his 2014 county budget for the PARC program. Previous grant awards, together with local efforts, have helped communities and non-profit organizations bring their projects across the finish line.
Past projects, including bike/pedestrian trails, habitat restorations, and park enhancements, have helped create regional outdoor recreation destinations and strengthened the tourism economy in communities across Dane County.
In 2011, county PARC grants helped fund improvements to Verona’s Reddan Soccer Complex and a bike/pedestrian trail connector from the Village of Oregon to the Badger State Trail. In 2012, the county partnered with the Village of Belleville to help kick off the next phase of their multi-year restoration of Lake Belle View with a walking bridge and additional trails. Last year, PARC grants helped the City of Madison get closer to opening its first outdoor skate park, sure to become a regional recreation destination.
The application deadline is Friday, May 2nd. The standard grant amount will be up to 50% of the project costs, not to exceed $250,000. Grants will be awarded for capital projects that improve natural resources or outdoor recreational opportunities that create a demonstrable regional benefit. Eligible expenses for projects include material costs and contracted services for construction or installation.
Those interested in determining whether their projects are eligible for county support are encouraged to contact Sara Kwitek at 224-3611 or Kwitek@countyofdane.comto discuss your project before submitting an application. For more information about applying for the grants go to http://www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/grants.aspx.
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