State Grant Program Provides $300,000 to Local Parks

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature, the 2010-2011 budget includes $300,000 to expand and improve local parks statewide. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) will fund the development and enhancement of two local park facilities in two counties, providing outdoor recreation opportunities and improving public access to Florida’s natural resources.

“Outdoor recreation areas and facilities are an essential ingredient to creating and maintaining strong communities,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “Through FRDAP grants, investments can be made today to help preserve Florida’s environment for future generations.”

Projects include:

• Village of Royal Palm Beach, Village Commons Park - $200,000
The grant funding will be used to develop a multi-phased park on the 10-acre property, located in a well populated area of southeast Florida. Encompassing both recreational and cultural elements, Phase I of the park is slated to include picnic facilities, a kayak launch, a bike trail that will connect to the Royal Palm Beach Bicycle Trail System, a playground and a multi-purpose field.

• Pasco County, Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve - $100,000
This preserve consists of 122 acres of land near Shady Hills. The grant funding will help develop 30 acres of that land, incorporating a boardwalk through a wetland habitat, a trail head and more than one nature trail with interpretive kiosks and signs, as well as a nature-themed playground. In addition, the grant funding will assist the county in protecting the preserve’s rare and imperiled vegetation and wildlife community.

“We are proud to support projects like this that safeguard and preserve Florida’s natural and cultural resources,” said Donald Forgione. “FRDAP grants not only protect natural areas but also attract people to recreate in our beautiful state for generations to come.”

Administered by DEP, FRDAP is a competitive grant program, providing funds to local communities for public outdoor recreation. Over the last decade, Florida has invested more than $250 million to improve local park facilities through this grant program, funding more than 2,000 projects statewide. Enhancements to local parks include improvements and renovations to playground and picnic facilities such as pavilions, tables and benches, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, concession areas, lighting, fencing, restroom and shower facilities, parking areas, trails, grounds and landscaping, beach docks, piers and boardwalks. For a list of funded projects and information about applying for a FRDAP grant, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/OIRS/default.htm.