Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program

The Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Trails (ORPT) Program, formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware. Donor Name: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligible Projects ORPT grant assistance is available for the following types of projects: Fee simple acquisition of parkland, open space, or conservation areas Purchase of development rights for public parkland, open space, or conservation areas Replacement of outdated and unsafe outdoor facilities Outdoor recreation facility engineering and design Outdoor recreation facility construction for example: Athletic fields and courts Playground equipment Swimming pools Picnic tables and pavilions Park maps for information boards or kiosks Park infrastructure such as entrance roads, parking, restrooms, and way finding Municipal or countywide park/open space comprehensive plans Universal accessibility upgrades to outdoor recreation facilities Professional services for park master planning Eligibility Criteria County and municipal governments and park districts may request and receive ORPT grant assistance. Projects sponsored by municipalities and counties may receive up to fifty percent (50%) in ORPT assistance of an approved project’s total costs; park districts, municipalities that have not received ORPT funds in the past, and projects located in or serving Census Tracts identified as highest vulnerability by the CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI score range 0.75 – 1.00) are eligible to receive up to seventy-five percent (75%) in ORPT assistance of an approved project’s total costs. The Sponsor may obtain its share through partnerships with other governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and other non-traditional recreation providers. Partnerships with other agencies and organizations are encouraged however, only the municipalities and counties are eligible to apply for ORPT assistance. For more information, visit DNREC.