Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) Grant Program Accepting Applications

P.A. 101-29 contained the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, which is intended to be a $45 billion investment in state and local infrastructure over the next six years. As a result of this capital plan, there will be several new competitive funding opportunities on the horizon.

On December 2nd,  a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be posted for the Park and Recreational Facilities Construction Program (PARC) grant program. This first round of PARC funding will be for $25 million (of a total $50 million appropriation) and will close on January 21st, 2020. 

The PARC program provides grants to eligible local governments for acquisition, development, construction, rehabilitation or other capital improvements to park and recreation facilities in Illinois.

The PARC Grant Program can fund bondable, brick and mortar projects that include demolition, site preparation and improvements for indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, reconstruction, improvements and expansion to existing facilities, and new construction.  Projects involving land acquisition for construction of new or expansion of existing indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, and for open space and conservation purposes, are also eligible. 

This grant opportunity, as well as future opportunities, will be posted on the State’s Catalog of Financial Assistance website under the “Click here to browse a list of current funding opportunities” link.

If any units of local government have questions contact DNR’s Division of Grant Administration at: 

  • One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL, 62702.
  • Phone:  (217) 782-7481
  • Email:    dnr.grants@illinois.gov
  • FAX:      (217) 782-9599