Meet Me at the Park - Play Space Grants

This grant program supports park and recreation agencies in creating new opportunities for play and physical activity for kids and families in underserved communities.

Total Program: 25 grants will be awarded nationwide for a total of $750,000

Geographic Scope: 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories

Eligibility

Applicant Requirements:

• Must be a government agency (municipal park and recreation department, tribal recreation department, park district, etc.)
• Schools and daycares are NOT eligible
• Park foundations may serve as fiscal agents, but the applicant must be a government agency
• Applicants do not need to be current NRPA members
• Previous grantees may apply
• One application per agency only

Project Requirements:

• Projects must be located at publicly-owned sites open to the public
• Sites must be under the authority of a local, municipal, regional, or state government agency or federally recognized tribal community
• Projects must serve underserved communities, defined as vulnerable populations including:

- Communities of color
- Ethnic minorities
- New Americans
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- Individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities
- Low-income populations
- Rural communities
- Tribal and indigenous populations
- Those experiencing degraded environmental quality, poor health outcomes, high stress, and/or social isolation

• Communities of all sizes (rural, suburban, urban) eligible

Eligible Project Types

• Mobile Play vehicles or flexible pop-up play equipment that travel to multiple parks/recreation centers
• Trail and walking path enhancements that increase visibility, accessibility, add play elements, and/or improve wayfinding
• Play spaces (including nature play, pocket-play, and inclusive play spaces) with unique features
• Sport field/court enhancements that create or improve unique sports fields/courts encouraging community use and small-sided play
• Nature and STEM-Based Play Spaces incorporating science, technology, engineering, and math learning with loose play features

Funding Requirements

• Matching funds required: 1:1 match
• Eligible match: Cash, staff time, design fees, and construction costs
• Eligible expenses: Project design fees, construction costs, play equipment purchases, and project-specific expenses

Project Timeline

• Considerable progress toward project outcomes must be demonstrated by August 17, 2019
• All projects must be completed by December 13, 2019

Program Notes

• This is noted as the third round of this grant program
• This is the only round being offered — future funding not secured
• Program may not be offered again in the future
• Letters of support are not required but can be included

Community Engagement Requirements

• Community engagement required from design to implementation
• Opportunities for local community members to be involved in planning and implementation
• Volunteerism strongly encouraged
• Grantees must promote projects through local communication channels and social media
• Toolkit for social media and communications provided

Evaluation Requirements

• Intercept survey: All grantees required to administer surveys with minimum of 25 community members familiar with the project
• Survey template and training provided
• No internet connection required for survey administration
• In-depth evaluation: Eight grantees selected for more extensive evaluation measuring changes in use and activity levels
• Requires data collection before and after project (4 consecutive days, 3 times per day)
• NRPA staff may visit project sites; videos and photos may be shared on NRPA and partner communications channels

Contact Information:

• Phone: 800.626.NRPA (6772)
• Address (UPS/FedEx): 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501
• Address (USPS): PO BOX 530282, Atlanta, GA 30353-0282

Application Process

1. Project Selection: Select one project to propose (only one application per agency)
2. Market Determination: Zip codes are automatically categorized into pre-determined markets; 10 at-large grants available for agencies outside pre-determined markets
3. Application Submission: Submit application online (specific platform not detailed in content)
4. Optional Support Materials: Include letters of support (not required but encouraged)
- Typically from agency head (director, superintendent) or local community group/nonprofit partner
- Upload through application system
5. Matching Funds Documentation: Demonstrate 1:1 matching funds commitment

Required Application Components

• Project description and location (zip code)
• Budget and matching funds documentation
• Community engagement plan
• Optional: Letters of support

Post-Award Requirements (if selected)

• Intercept Survey Administration: Conduct surveys with minimum of 25 community members
- Template provided by NRPA - Can use smartphone, tablet, or laptop - Internet connection not required during data collection
• Progress Reports: Document considerable progress by August 17, 2019
• Final Report: Submit by December 31, 2019 using online template
• Community Engagement: Facilitate volunteer opportunities and community involvement
• Project Promotion: Use local communication channels and social media
• Evaluation Participation: If selected for in-depth evaluation, participate in detailed data collection (4 days before project, 4 days after, 3 times daily)

Note: Specific application form details, narrative questions, and the online application portal URL are not provided in the available content.