January 4, 2024 3:00 a.m.

The Local Government Grant Program has $30 million in grant funds available to help local government agencies in Oregon fund everything from playground equipment and restrooms to splashpads and bike paths.

A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said this is more than double the funds available last year and the most ever available in one grant cycle. The LGGP is a competitive grant program designed to help local government agencies to acquire, develop and rehabilitate parks and public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts and port districts.

The maximum awards range from $50,000 for planning grants to $1 million for larger projects.

Local governments can apply online at: www.oprdgrants.org

The Lottery-funded grant program is administered by OPRD. It has awarded more than $90 million in reimbursement grant funds since 1999. The recent increase in grant funding is the result of yearly increases in State Lottery Funds, which are allocated in part to state parks. Oregon voters approved making parks a recipient of lottery dollars under the state constitution in 1999 and 2010.