NA Parks Now Eligible for Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants

Last year, with the help of community input, the New Albany Parks and Recreation Department finalized their 5 year master plan for 2017-2021. 

In a letter to the New Albany Parks and Recreation Board, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources stated that they have reviewed the plan, and have certified that it meets all of the department's requirements. Additionally, Indiana DNR has validated that New Albany is now eligible to apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. The letter stated that Indiana DNR supports New Albany Parks and Recreation planning efforts and encouraged participation in the grants programs administrated by the Division of Outdoor Recreation.

According to the National Park Service's website, the Land and Water Conservation Fund provides matching grants to States and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

The fund has provided 40,400 grants to state and local governments over 40 years:

• $4.1 billion, matched for a total of $8.2 billion in grants and funding
• 10,600 grants for acquisition of park and recreation lands, including 3,200 "combination" projects for both land purchase and initial recreation development
• 26,420 grants for development of recreation facilities, in addition to the "combination" projects above
• 2,760 grants for redevelopment of older recreation facilities, including improved access for people with disabilities
• 641 state planning grants, to produce six "generations" of analytic studies on recreation potentials, needs, opportunities and policies

"Congratulations to board president Steve Sipes and the entire New Albany Parks Board," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. "This plan will serve us well over the next 5 years of developing our parks and recreation in New Albany."