Municipal Park Improvement Program Grants

The Bergen County Municipal Park Improvement Program, administered through the Bergen County Department of Parks under the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, is a locally funded initiative designed to enhance municipal open space, parklands, and outdoor recreational facilities. This program serves as a vital mechanism to support municipalities in the development, redevelopment, and restoration of public recreational infrastructure. Through a regional allocation framework, the program aims to distribute approximately $6.8 million in 2026 across six county subregions. Each year, eligible municipalities may apply for matching grants that directly support the design and construction of various park improvement projects. The purpose of the program is to ensure the long-term sustainability and accessibility of outdoor recreational spaces that serve Bergen County residents. By offering financial support to local governments, the program promotes active and passive recreation, environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and community engagement. Allowable projects include upgrades to aging infrastructure, construction of new park amenities, expanded access to water bodies, incorporation of accessible design elements in compliance with ADA requirements, and improvements that enhance habitat preservation. Projects may also involve educational features or enhancements to historically significant areas, provided these comply with applicable preservation guidelines. Funding is disbursed through a matching grant structure. Applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match, with neither "sweat equity" nor municipal labor accepted toward the required contribution. Eligible soft costs such as engineering, architecture, permitting, and environmental services may be reimbursed if funds allow. Municipalities with existing funding exceeding $1.5 million from the Trust Fund are ineligible for the current cycle. The maximum allowable request per municipality must not exceed the regional allocation limit, which is detailed in a separate document available through the Trust Fund's web page. The application process includes several required components. Interested municipalities must first submit a Declaration of Intent to Apply by 4:30 P.M. ET on Friday, March 27, 2026. Full applications are due by 4:30 P.M. ET on Friday, April 24, 2026. Applications must include project narratives, budget estimates certified by a licensed design professional, site maps, location and tax maps, and documentation of public support. Public hearings are mandatory and must be advertised both in the legal and display sections of a newspaper no fewer than ten days prior to the hearing date. A municipal resolution authorizing submission of the application must also be adopted following the public hearing. Evaluation is based on multiple criteria, including project readiness, consistency with the municipal master plan, level of community support, environmental and historical considerations, and potential for public access and use. Projects must be completed within 24 months following grant approval, which is expected by or around November 2026. All required permits must be obtained before work begins, and maintenance responsibility must be clearly defined in the application. Failure to meet performance timelines or administrative requirements may result in forfeiture of the award. Questions about the application or program requirements should be directed to Nancy Witkowski, Administrator, Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (201) 336-7255. All submissions must be electronic; paper applications are no longer accepted. Electronic files should be emailed or shared through a cloud service if they exceed 50MB. This annual program reflects Bergen County’s continued investment in its recreational and environmental assets and is a key component of its commitment to community wellbeing and public space accessibility.

Ensure proper advertisement of public hearing at least 10 days in advance in both legal and display formats; failure to meet this condition can invalidate the application.