Gov. Roy Cooper today announced $3 million in grants to fund local parks and recreation projects designed for children and veterans with disabilities.
The grants are part of the $2 billion Connect NC Infrastructure Bond program approved by voters in 2016. The N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority selected 18 projects across North Carolina to receive grants at its meeting March 3 at William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh.
“Parks contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities and are an important resource for all people, including those with special needs,” Gov. Cooper said in announcing the grants. “These projects will give children and veterans with disabilities more opportunities to enjoy our parks.”
Local communities applied for the grants to fund development and renovation of public park and recreation areas for children and military veterans with special needs. The N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority considered 45 grant applications requesting nearly $9.5 million. The maximum grant for a single project under the program was $500,000. Awardees are required to provide matching funds equal to a minimum of 25 percent of the grant.
"The financial support requested by these local governments is a strong indication of the tremendous need for providing facilities for those with disabilities," said Mike Murphy, director of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. "The projects that did not receive funding from this program will be eligible for other grants from the trust fund."
The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund is administered through the state Division of Parks and Recreation and was established in 1994 by the N.C. General Assembly.
The local governments receiving grants are:
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Clayton, which received $86,810 for the Celebration Park-Contemplate Area;
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Edenton, which received $198,720 for the conversion of Colonial Park to Universal Design. Universal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas for producing buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people and people with disabilities
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Fayetteville, which received $250,000 for the Massey Hill Recreation Center Universally-Accessible Sports Field;
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Graham, which received $500,000 for the City of Graham Inclusive Playground;
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Granite Falls, which received $80,000 for Shuford Recreation Accessibility Enhancement Project;
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Greenville, which received $179,272 for Accessible Water Sports Facility;
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High Point, which received $194,344 for the Oak Hollow Marina and Sailboat Point Accessibility Enhancements;
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Indian Trail, which received $172,125 for the Crooked Creek Accessible Playground;
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Marion, which received $159,622 for the Marion Community Park Project;
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Oak Island, which received $84,352 for the American’s with Disabilities Act Beach Access Project;
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Rowan County, which received $264,959 for the Ellis Park Accessible Playground Renovation Project;
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Shelby, which received $240,000 for the All Aboard Park: Unlimited Play for Everyone;
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Smithfield, which received $160,000 for Partnership to build a Miracle Inclusive Playground & Fitness Trail;
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Swansboro, which received $196,324 for the Swansboro Municipal Park Enhancement Program;
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Waynesville, which received $90,300 for Recreation Park Inclusive Playground;
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Yadkin County, which received $41,580 for Lance Corporal Daniel Swaim Playground;
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Yadkin County, which received $43,020 for Yadkin Memorial Park – Universal Design Improvements, and
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Maysville, which received $58,527 for the Frost Park Splash Park.