ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES’
PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION (PARC)
GRANT PROGRAM
What is it?
The
Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) was created by Public
Act 096-0820 effective November 18, 2009 to provide grants to be disbursed by
the DNR to eligible local governments for park and recreation unit construction
projects. Park or recreation unit
construction project means the acquisition, development, construction,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, improvements, architectural planning, and installation
of capital facilities consisting, but not limited to, buildings, structures,
and land for park and recreation purposes and open spaces and natural areas.
Who may apply for the grants?
Eligibility
requirements mirror the OSLAD grant program.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.
What types of projects are eligible
for grants?
“Bondable”
or “brick and mortar” projects for capital expenditures may include, but are
not limited to, demolition in preparation for additional indoor/outdoor
recreation purposes, 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.
All properties acquired with PARC
assistance are required to have a covenant placed on the deed at the time of
the recording that stipulates the property must be used , in perpetuity, solely
for indoor/outdoor recreation purposes.
Can a local sponsor submit more than
one application per grant cycle?
Yes.There is no limit on the number of
applications one agency may submit per grant cycle.
What are the funding limits?
The
DNR may limit any one single project to a maximum of no more than 10% of the
amount released for any fiscal year.
Of
the total amount of PARC projects awarded statewide, 20% shall be awarded to
the Chicago Park District, provided that the Chicago Park District complies
with the provisions of State law and PARC rules, and 80% shall be awarded to
local government units outside of the City of Chicago.
The
PARC program shall operate on a reimbursement basis providing up to the
following maximum percentages for funding assistance:the State will provide up to 75% of approved
project costs, with the exception of those local governments defined as
“disadvantaged”, which will be eligible for up to 90% funding.
What are the major evaluation
priorities of the PARC grant program?
The
primary priorities for evaluating PARC projects include, but are not limited to,
the following criteria:
(1) useful life of existing facilities and
improvements in comparison to the Department’s schedule of Useful Life of Parks
and Recreation Facilities;
(2)
address public health and safety needs;
(3)
sponsor has high economic need;
(4)
correct accessibility deficiencies as defined by the Americans With Disability Act;
(5)
projects that provide the greatest benefit in terms of cost per capita within
the applicant’s jurisdictional boundaries; and
(6)
land acquisition.
Can other State/Federal funds be used
to match the PARC program?
No.
Is there any application deadline when
I must apply?
Opening
date for requests and deadline for applications are October 15, 2010 to November 29, 2010.
How can I receive more information
regarding the PARC grant program?
By
contacting DNR’s Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way,
Springfield, IL. 62702 or call (217) 782-7481.FAX (217) 782-9599 or e-mail:dnr.grants@illinois.gov
