Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

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⚠️ Please note: The FY26 Park and Trail Grant Program is now closed to new applications.

Metro East Park and Recreation District
Park & Trail Grant Program


Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) committed $3,000,000 to the FY 2026 Park & Trail Grant Program, our flagship funding opportunity that supports the acquisition, development, and/or improvement of public parks, trails, and recreation facilities within Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL.

FY 2026 Grant Application 
Check Eligibility 
     
  • Applicant Types: The FY26 program has removed the different applicant type categories (previously Standard, Rural, or Economically Distressed). This change was made to streamline the requirements for all applicants.
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  • Cost Share Requirement: For the FY26 program, cost-sharing requirements have been streamlined for consistency and broader applicability. All awarded project sponsors must now contribute a minimum of 60% of the total eligible project costs utilizing any funding source (i.e., federal, state, local, public, non-public, and/or monetary contribution by the applicant). However, the total funding from MEPRD tax revenue sources (the MEPRD grant combined with any Madison County PEP or St. Clair County Parks Grant funds) cannot exceed 80% of total project costs.
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  • Eligible Components (Fitness Equipment): Fitness Equipment has been added as an eligible project component. To be eligible, the equipment must be permanently or semi-permanently fixed, publicly accessible, and either add a new amenity or significantly enhance an existing one.
  • Ineligible Projects (Art Installations): The guidelines now explicitly state that art installations, such as murals, plaques, and sculptures, are ineligible for funding.
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  • Trail Striping Requirement: A new requirement has been added for striping on all newly constructed or reconstructed hard surface shared-use paths or trail segments.
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  • Priority Path Grant Coordination: Trail segments funded by MEPRD's Priority Path Grant Program are not eligible for funding under this program. MEPRD will coordinate with transit districts to check for overlapping projects and may reduce or deny funding for such segments.
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  • Contingent Grant Request: The program now permits contingent grant requests that are based on a single state/federal appropriation, in addition to a single state/federal grant.
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  • Certification Statement: The certification statement has been updated to require applicants to confirm the accuracy of the costs and items in their application and to acknowledge that unspecified components are ineligible for reimbursement.

  1. Click the button above to open the application.
  2. Download the PDF to your computer.
  3. Close all internet browser windows.
  4. Open the saved PDF from your computer.
  5. Fill in and save the contents of the application as you work on it.

 Test this process out before spending time filling in all of the fields! Note that you will need a PDF reader/editing software installed on your computer, such as Adobe Acrobat.

The FY 2026 Park & Trail Grant Program has a total program budget of $3,000,000.

There is no minimum grant request or award. Award maximums vary based on the project type:

  • Regional Trail Segment Projects can receive an award of up to $300,000 or 40% of eligible project costs; whichever is less.
  • Park and Recreation Projects and all other eligible project types can receive an award of up to $150,000 or 40% of eligible project costs; whichever is less.

The FY 2026 Park & Trail Grant Program operates on a first-come, first-served basis; complete applications will be accepted, reviewed, and awarded in the order received until all program funds are depleted or the program deadline, whichever comes first. Refer to the FY26 Park & Trail Grant Application for additional details.

  • Applications Accepted:  July 9, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. — May 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
    *  Or until 100% of program funds are depeleted, whichever comes first.

Any government agency having statutory authority to acquire and develop lands for public parks, public trails, and/or public recreation purposes within Madison and/or St. Clair Counties, IL may apply for MEPRD grant funding. Such agencies include:

  • Municipalities
  • Townships
  • Counties
  • Transportation Districts
  • Park Districts
  • Universities* (If the project acquires or develops lands for public parks, public trails, or for other eligible types.)
  • 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organizations* (If the project acquires or develops lands for public parks, public trails, or for other eligible types.)
  • Schools and School Districts are not eligible applicants.

Eligible types of acquisition, development, or improvement projects must be open to the public and can include, but are not limited to:

  • Parks (active/passive)
  • Public Greenways, Greenspace, Wildlife Areas, Nature Preserves, and Wetlands (active/passive)
  • Recreation Centers
  • Shared-use Paths & Bike Lanes meeting AASHTO standards (shared-use paths must be ≥ 10' in width and striped)
  • Trail Corridors (e.g., abandoned railways or utility corridors)
  • Trails/Paths (for walking, hiking, jogging, biking, equestrian, mountain biking, BMX, and paddling)
  • Trailheads (for eligible trail types)
  • *For a complete list of eligible and ineligible project components, see pgs. 11-12 of the application.

MEPRD Project Eligibility Verification Form  Submit your project details to MEPRD ahead of time to verify eligibility for a Park and Trail Grant by filling out the Project Eligibility Verification Form or by discussing your project with MEPRD staff.


This calculator allows you to enter generic scenarios to see the impact to MEPRD's grant award and the required local match. Microsoft Excel is needed to use this tool, and it is best viewed on a P.C. For more resources to assist you with completing your application, see the section titled: "Tools & Resources," on the left-hand side of this page.

 

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our latest round of Park & Trail Grant awards under the FY 2026 Park & Trail Grant Program. These grants will support a variety of projects that will improve public parks and trails and enrich recreational opportunities in communities throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois.

  For an interactive, map view of the awarded projects, visit the Award Dashboard.

The list of grant awards on this page is not final. Additional recipients/awards will be added as new grant requests are received and approved by MEPRD. The grant program will continue to accept applications until all program funds are depleted. Updated: October 2025.


  • Collinsville, City of
    • Project Title: Summit Avenue Shared-Use Path
    Grant Amount: $164,973.10
    Project Scope: Construction of a 0.24-mile segment of the Summit Avenue Shared-Use Path (10’ wide, PCC surface) along the west side of Summit Avenue, between Knotting Hill Court and Dooner Drive.
  • Edwardsville, City of
    • Project Title: New Poag Road Shared-Use Path
    Grant Amount: $300,000.00
    Project Scope: Construct a 0.36-mi, 10' wide concrete shared use path parallel to New Poag Rd. & St. Louis St., connecting the MCT Goshen Trail to existing bike lanes / sidewalks on St. Louis St. near Ammann Place.
  • Fairview Heights, City of
    • Project Title: St. Ellen Trail Phase 4
    Grant Amount: $148,926.92
    Project Scope: Construction of a 0.2-mile, 10' shared-use path along Ashland Avenue, from Judy Lane (Phase 3 terminus) to 300' east of IL-159 (near Krispy Kreme).
  • Freeburg Park District
    • Project Title: Ballfields #1 - #4 Lighting Replacement
    Grant Amount: $150,000.00
    Project Scope: Replacement of the lighting fixtures on ballfields 1-4 at Freeburg Recreation Park. Existing metal halide lights will be replaced with new brighter, energy-efficient LED luminaires. Also includes the replacement of four damaged poles.
  • Glen Carbon, Village of
    • Project Title: Schon Park Improvements Phase 3
    Grant Amount: $150,000.00
    Project Scope: Improvements to Schon Park, including the construction of 4 new pickleball courts, 2 new tennis courts, and 2 new basketball courts with connecting paths to existing amenities, plus new lighting and landscaping.
  • Hamel, Village of
    • Project Title: Hamel Heroes Park
    Grant Amount: $150,000.00
    Project Scope: Development of the new 3.26-acre Hamel Heroes Park. Amenities will include firetruck-themed playground, zip-line, challenge course, wiffleball field, multi-use loop path, pavilion, restrooms, parking, and various site furnishings.
  • Highland, City of
    • Project Title: Spindler Park Pickleball Courts
    Grant Amount: $89,700.00
    Project Scope: Convert 3 tennis courts into 5 pickleball courts at Spindler Park with new surfacing, fencing, and equipment. Includes parking lot improvements (resurfacing, ADA parking) and new accessible routes connecting the parking lot & courts.
  • Jarvis Township
    • Project Title: Silver Creek Trail Phase 4
    Grant Amount: $300,000.00
    Project Scope: Construction of a 0.83-mile shared-use path along US-40, from Creekside Drive (C.A. Henning Elementary School) to Bethany Drive (Triad High School).
  • Madison County Transit
    • Project Title: MCT Nature Trail Reconstruction
    Grant Amount: $300,000.00
    Project Scope: Reconstruction of 6.9 miles of the MCT Nature Trail (Mockingbird Lane to University Drive). Includes construction of a new 10-foot-wide asphalt shared-use path over existing/repaired base and rehab/modification of four bridges.
  • Maryville, Village of
    • Project Title: Firemen’s Park Improvements
    Grant Amount: $150,000.00
    Project Scope: Construction of a new open-air, multipurpose pavilion with an elevated stage and electric. Also includes general site improvements, such as the re-grading of low areas, and new landscaping and lighting.
  • Millstadt, Village of
    • Project Title: Millstadt Municipal Pool Sunshades
    Grant Amount: $17,764.80
    Project Scope: Improvements to the Millstadt Municipal Pool, including removal and replacement of an existing shade structure, plus the installation of a new cantilever umbrella shade and a new hanging cantilever fabric shade.
  • O'Fallon, City of
    • Project Title: O'Fallon Family Sports Park - Turf Fields #9 and #10
    Grant Amount: $150,000.00
    Project Scope: Installation of synthetic turf on the Fields #9 and #10 at the O'Fallon Family Sports Park.
  • Roxana Community Park District
    • Project Title: Burbank Park Revitalization Phase 2
    Grant Amount: $150,000.00
    Project Scope: Construction of a new restroom and pavilion building set on a 26' x 52' concrete pad, accessible connecting sidewalks, and ancillary furnishings.
  • St. Clair County
    • Project Title: Engelmann Park Walking Trail
    Grant Amount: $150,000.00
    Project Scope: Construction of a new 1-mile extension of the Engelmann Park Trail (6') and asssociated drainage facilities. Also includes installation of three (3) benches along the trail.
  • St. Clair County Transit District
    • Project Title: Fairview Heights – Swansea Trail Phase 3
    Grant Amount: $300,000.00
    Project Scope: Construction of a 1.1-mile shared-use path along Union Hill Rd between Frank Scott Pkwy and Longacre Dr. Includes a new pedestrian bridge, connections to signalized intersections at both ends, and ADA upgrades to existing crossings.
  • Tri-Township Park District
    • Project Title: Park & Trail Safety Camera Network
    Grant Amount: $28,635.18
    Project Scope: To install a new security camera network throughout Tri-Township Park. Includes twenty (20) total cameras, along with the necessary networking and fixture equipment for installation and integration with the local police department.
  • Wood River, City of
    • Project Title: IL-143 Shared Use Path Phase 1
    Grant Amount: $300,000.00
    Project Scope: Construction of a 0.36-mile shared-use path along the north side of IL-143, connecting the MCT Wood River Transit Station to 2nd St. Scope includes high-visibility crosswalks, widened refuge islands, and signal timers.

If you have questions about the program or need assistance, we can help! Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact MEPRD if help is needed with verifying project and/or grant round eligibility, preliminary application review, or general assistance.

Call (618) 346-4905  or  Send us a message  



FY 2026 Park & Trail Grant
Program Funding

Balance of FY26 Program Funds as of Jan. 2026


Total Program Budget (FY26):
$3,000,000.00
0 Pending:
- $0.00
17 Awarded:
- $3,000,000.00
Remaining (Unpledged):
$0.00

* * *

Pending and Remaining Funds are subject to change at any time and may increase or decrease as grant requests are reviewed and processed. Check back frequently for the latest updates. Updated 1/14/2026.

Grant Programs


   Park & Trail Grant

  Community Planning Grant

  Event Sponsorship Grant

  Priority Paths Grant

Tools & Resources


The following documents and tools are available to assist you in completing your application:

Use the links provided below to download an authorized version of MEPRD's Logo:

JPG Format 

Vector Format 

NOTE: MEPRD prefers the use of the color version, unless all other sponsor logos are black/white.