South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper announced today the allocation of $17.9 million in grants to support 46 local parks and recreation projects across North Carolina through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). The Parks and Recreation Authority approved these grants during its meeting on August 23.

“These awards through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the Accessible Parks Grant will bring tremendous impact to communities across North Carolina by providing more parks, more trails, and more accessible recreation,” said Governor Cooper.

Local governments applied to PARTF for funding aimed at land acquisition, development, and renovation of public park and recreation areas. Each year, the Parks and Recreation Authority allocates 30% of PARTF’s total funding to municipalities and counties. A maximum of $500,000 can be awarded per project, with awardees required to match funds at least dollar-for-dollar. This year, the Authority reviewed 40 grant applications requesting over $15.1 million. Of these, 22 projects received full funding while one project was partially funded, totaling over $9.5 million.

Additionally, the Accessible Parks Grant program was allocated $12.5 million in the 2023 budget to provide matching grants for local parks and recreation projects benefiting people with disabilities. This program supports either new construction or adaptation of existing facilities to meet the needs of persons living with disabilities. Twenty-three applications were submitted for this round, all of which were selected for a total exceeding $8.3 million.

“North Carolinians love their parks and recreation areas,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson. “These projects will enhance quality of life, improve health, and strengthen local economies.”

PARTF celebrated its 30th anniversary on July 16 with a proclamation from Governor Cooper. Administered by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, local grants are awarded annually by the Authority during its August meeting.

“Over the last 30 years, PARTF has provided more than $800 million in improved state parks, local parks, and coastal access,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “These awards continue a wonderful year celebrating the impact of PARTF on North Carolina residents.”

A second round of funding for the Accessible Parks Grant will open in September with over $4 million available.

Grant recipients include:

**PARTF Grant Awards**

- Town of Mills River (Henderson): Mills River Park Expansion - $500,000

- City of Kannapolis (Cabarrus): Kannapolis Eastside Park - $500,000

- City of Sanford (Lee): Walter McNeil Jr. Park Enhancements - $232,381

- Town of Sedalia (Guilford): Sedalia Town Park - $343,762

- Town of Vass (Moore): Sandy Ramey Keith Park Expansion - $225,000

- Town of Rural Hall (Forsyth): Covington Memorial Park Revitalization Project: Phase I - $500,000

- Town of Sunset Beach (Brunswick): Majestic Oaks Park Development - $500,000

- Surry County: Fisher River Park Phase III - $99,750

- City of Hickory (Catawba): Sandy Pines Park Project (Phase I) - $500,000

- Hyde County: Brandon Marshall Ball Field Complex - $500,000

- Town of Warrenton (Warren): Warrenton Nature Trail - $95,743

- Davie County: Lake Louise Park Acquisition and Development - $500,000

- Town of Wake Forest (Wake): Wake Forest Skate Park - $500