Our Mission
"Metro East Park and Recreation District shall have as its primary duty the development, operation, and maintenance of a public system of interconnecting parks and trails throughout the counties comprising the district."
The Past
MEPRD is proud to have partnered with so many great organizations over the years, in turn helping to accomplish numerous regional projects that have improved the quality of life for everyone in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL.
The Present
Grant programs allow MEPRD to partner with other public entities for the purposes of improving parks, building trails, and expanding recreational opportunities for public enjoyment throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois.
The Future
After working closely with the citizens of Madison and St. Clair Counties and numerous public agencies, MEPRD released the District's current Long Range Development Plan.
Download it here!
Funding Opportunities
MEPRD is offering the following grant opportunities for its Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Cycle. These programs allow MEPRD to partner with other public entities for the purpose of improving parks, building trails, and expanding recreational opportunities throughout Madison & St. Clair Counties.
* Remaining funds are subject to change at any time. (Updated: 2/27/2026)
FY26 Park and Trail Grant Program ($0.00 Remaining)*
100FY26 Community Planning Grant Program ($346,001.00 Remaining)*
13FY26 Event Sponsorship Program ($15,004.50 Remaining)*
50FY26 Priority Paths Grant Program ($3,000,000.00 Remaining)*
0By the Numbers
AS OF February 2026
Completed Projects
Ongoing Projects
Total Projects
Unique Project Partners
Stay in the Know!
Sign up for MEPRD's E-Newsletter to receive the latest news and announcements regarding grants, park and trail projects, and more!
Latest News & Press Releases
The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) is pleased to announce the launch of its Fiscal Year 2026 grant cycle, making a total of $6.43 million available to support...
The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its FY 2025 Park and Trail...
MEPRD is thrilled to introduce a new era of accessible information with our two innovative AI Agents! Whether you're seeking information about MEPRD or looking for the perfect park...