Have you ever had an idea for a recreation project for your community, an outdoor project like a playground or small park? If so, you might want to look into a Land Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Grant (LWCF) from the state of Utah.

The 2021 grant period for the Land Water Conservation Fund has opened and closes on May 1, 2021, at 5 p.m. This grant is administered by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation in partnership with the National Park Service. 

“The LWCF State Assistance grant program has helped state and local governments acquire and develop parks for the residents of Utah all across our beautiful state,” said Susan Zarekarizi, the Division’s land and environmental coordinator. “There are a lot of parks and recreation sites that people visit very often and have no idea the project was funded through this program. Things like racquetball courts, skate parks, swimming pools, and more.” 

Congress created the LWCF Act in 1965. It created a state assistance program for reimbursement of costs associated with acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas. The program is designed to help state and local governments with funding, projects that often come from suggestions from consumers or residents.

Grants can be used to fund everything from ball fields, sports courts, racquetball courts, spray parks and public restrooms to swimming pools, skate parks, campgrounds and regional outdoor sports facilities. Land acquisitions are also eligible.

The program has funded more than 500 projects in Utah, totaling over $55 million. It is a 50-50 matching program for reimbursement. You can learn more about the program on the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation website at https://stateparks.utah.gov/