South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association

Applications are being accepted now for AARP’s Community Challenge Grant, which funds projects that build momentum for local change to improve livability for all residents. The program is open to community organizations, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities.  Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can visit http://bit.ly/2018ChallengeWinners to see some of the winners in action: helping to revitalize alleyways, enliven underutilized public spaces, and improve unsafe intersections.

The grant application period closes on April 17 and projects must be completed by November 4, 2019. Applications are available at www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

Registration is now open for the 2019 National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC), which will be held May 6-9 in Rapid City, SD. The 2019 NORC program focuses on storytelling in outdoor recreation. Storytelling creates connections by providing meaning and context for our individual and shared experiences. As diverse as our stories may be, we are unified in our profession by our love of the outdoors and our passion to protect and maintain quality outdoor opportunities and experiences. Learn more

Registration is now open for the 2019 Midwest Regional NRPA Conference in Laramie, Wyoming. The training features numerous training and networking opportunities, as well as activities such as tours of downtown murals and the new Pilot Hill Bike Trail. Register before March 18 for the best deals on registration and hotel costs. Learn more

Applications are now being accepted for grants from the Recreation Trails Program (RTP). The grants are available for trail projects sponsored by municipalities, counties, state parks, federal land management agencies or tribal governments. The Recreational Trails Program provides partial reimbursement for approved trail projects. Eligible projects include construction of new public trails, rehabilitation of existing public trails, development of trail-related facilities and educational programs that relate to recreational trails. The application deadline is April 12, 2019. Learn more

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has awarded a total of $483,313 in Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants to several communities. The federal assistance program provides up to 50 percent reimbursement for outdoor recreation projects.

The following communities were awarded LWCF grants for outdoor recreation projects:

• Belle Fourche – Jones Park Splash Pad development, $75,000
• Crooks – New Hope Park Pickleball Court construction, $12,000
• Doland – Restrooms at Splash Park construction, $62,000
• Flandreau – Playground Equipment replacement, $18,000
• Howard – Loe Park Playground Equipment replacement, $14,000
• Ipswich – Pool House replacement, $64,000
• Leola – Pool Lining replacement, $57,313
• Madison – Memorial Park Playground Equipment replacement, $75,000
• Spearfish – Outdoor Pickleball Court construction, $70,000
• Spencer – Lion’s Park playground equipment replacement, $22,000
• Wagner – McCormick Field Lighting Replacement, $14,000

Read more…