The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced Jan. 13 it has awarded 18 matching grants through its Outdoor Recreation Parks and Trails Program to help local and county governments acquire parkland, design and build parks and trails, and construct outdoor recreational facilities.

Three local projects received a total of roughly $333,000 in grant monies.

Lewes received $150,000 for Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pathways to connect playgrounds, restrooms, courts and the marina at Canalfront Park.

Sussex County received $100,000 to construct a park entrance along Gravel Hill Road, stabilize the access road, install stormwater control, create interpretive and wayfinding signs, and develop an ADA-compliant parking area at the Forest of the Broadkill Preserve.

Milton received $83,250 to redesign the rail-to-trail roadway crossing at Federal Street with perpendicular alignments, wider ramps and warning signs.

“The grants paid for by this trust enable towns, cities and counties to preserve land and create recreational opportunities in our communities,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson in a prepared statement. “It is a great investment in the future of Delaware, and we value the work local governments do to make enjoyable green spaces for their constituents and ours.”

The Outdoor Recreation Parks and Trails Program, formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund, is a matching grant program for local, county and municipal park systems. The program was established in 1986 with annual deposits from real estate transfer tax to grow the trust. 

In all, the state awarded $2.2 million toward the 18 projects. It was the largest amount in the program’s history.

“Parks and trails are essential to the well-being of our communities,” said Gov. Matt Meyer in a prepared statement. “This record investment will help cities and towns across Delaware create welcoming, accessible outdoor spaces, especially in communities that have too often been left out. By partnering with local governments, we’re making sure every Delawarean has a place to gather, play and connect with the outdoors.”

The ORPT Program funds a variety of parks and recreation initiatives. The state program provides up to 50% funding for projects sponsored by municipalities and counties, and up to 75% funding for projects in under-resourced communities.

In addition to the three local projects, seven other municipalities in Sussex County received grant money. Bethany Beach received $150,000 for an ADA-compliant playground with rubber surfacing, curbs and a sidewalk at the Municipal Children’s Playground. Georgetown received $190,000 for a trailhead/parking area with bicycle racks, trash receptacle, benches, bike repair station, outdoor hydration solution, informational kiosk and lighting at Parsons Lane.

Laurel received $28,125 for a parking area and trailhead at Tidewater Park.

Milford received $190,000 for an entrance road, parking lot, trail construction, fencing and gate at Deep Branch Park.

Millville received $150,000 for planning, design and engineering of a parking lot at Evans Park.

Seaford received $190,000 to resurface six tennis courts and replace fencing at Seaford High School.

Selbyville received $101,250 to install fitness equipment on the walking trail, add fencing to the ball field and park perimeter, and complete site work for a new ball field at the town park.

Two projects in Kent County received funding, along with six projects in New Castle County. For a full listing of projects, click on the News tab at the top of the the state website delaware.gov.