Applications will be accepted 12/3/19 through 1/21/20!
How to Apply?
You can download the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Program (PARC) Manual and
application forms below. Please read and follow all instructions carefully. Applicants are strongly encouraged
to contact IDNR staff early in the application process to discuss the project proposal informally.
Applications must be completed and submitted in paper format. Online or email applications are not currently
accepted.
PARC APPLICATION FORMS (NEW!)
If your application form packet did not include the EAS/CERP forms, they are available here:
PARC PROGRAM SUMMARY
What is PARC?
The Park and Recreational
Facility Construction Act (PARC) provides grants to eligible local governments
for park and recreation unit construction projects and land acquisition.
Application Deadline: January 21,
2020 by 5:00pm
Grant Period: 2 years
Grant Amounts: $25,000 to
$2,500,000
Match: Grant
covers 75% of capital project cost for most applicants, 90% of
capital project cost for Disadvantaged Communities
Total Funding Available: $25,000,000
Eligible Applicants: Units of local
government that are authorized by Illinois law to expend public funds for the
acquisition and development of land for public indoor/outdoor park, recreation,
or conservation purposes are eligible to apply for funding
assistance. School districts are not eligible.
Prequalification: ALL
applicants must be registered on the State of
Illinois Grantee Portal prior to the application
deadline date. Click here for more information on
GATA prequalification.
Are multiple applications from the same local sponsor allowed?
Yes. There is no limit on the
number of applications an applicant may submit.
What fees are required for applicants and grant recipients?
The PARC grant program now
requires a non-refundable Application Fee and approved projects will be
required to remit a Grant Award Fee. See the 2021 PARC manual for
details.
What types of projects are eligible for grants?
PARC grants must be used for “bondable” or “brick and mortar” projects. Eligible capital expenditures include (but are not limited to) demolition in preparation for recreational development, site preparation and improvements for indoor/outdoor recreation purposes, utility work for indoor/outdoor recreation purposes, reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings or facilities for indoor/outdoor recreation purposes, expansion of buildings/facilities for indoor/outdoor recreation purposes, and new construction of buildings/structures.
Land acquisition projects for public park recreation and conservation purposes include, but are not limited to, acquisition of land for the following: to construct new public indoor/outdoor recreation buildings, structures and facilities; to expand existing public indoor/outdoor recreation buildings, structures and facilities; general park purposes such as regional, community, and neighborhood parks and playfields; frontage on public surface waters for recreation use; open space/conservation purposes to protect floodplains, wetlands, natural areas, wildlife habitat, and unique geologic and biologic features, and additions to such areas.
Please note that the priority of the program is the renovation or construction of indoor recreation facilities since they are not eligible under other IDNR grant programs.
How can I receive more information regarding the PARC grant program?
Contact IDNR's Office of Grant Management and Administration
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL. 62702
Phone: (217) 782-7481
FAX: (217) 782-7841
