Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

• Grant Process: MEPRD has streamlined the application process by eliminating separate grant rounds. Instead, the FY25 program will operate under a single, unified grant round that is open to all eligible applicants with any eligible project type.
• Maximum Grant Award - Park/Other Project Types: The maximum grant award for park and other non-trail projects was increased from $100,000 to $150,000. Qualifying trail projects are still capped at a maximum award of $300,000, and regardless of project type, no award may exceed 40% of eligible project costs.
• Award Limitations: For the FY25 program, applicants are restricted to no more than two (2) active park projects (or other eligible, non-trail project types) funded by MEPRD, concurrently. Applicants that currently have two or more active park projects are still eligible to apply; however, only with a qualifying trail project. Applicants must fully complete the ongoing park project(s) and close out the MEPRD grant(s) before seeking additional park project funding.
• Cost Sharing Requirement ('Local Match'): Applicants can now utilize state or federal grant dollars toward their required MEPRD Cost Share (i.e., 'Local Match') for any eligible project type. Should the state/federal grant(s) cover the full cost of the project, or a larger portion than expected, MEPRD's award may be reduced/rescinded to avoid any overpayment.
• Eligible Projects/Components: The FY25 program now specifies that any "improvements" that do not provide new or enhanced recreation opportunities are to be considered support items. NOTE: Projects may not consist solely of support items. The total cost of all support items cannot exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
• Force Account Labor: Updated the definition of Force Account Labor (FAL) to specify that only physical labor necessary for the completion of eligible component(s) of the approved project scope may be calculated into the FAL amount.
• Trail Projects: Any proposed trails or shared-use paths that will integrate into the regional trail network must be no less than 10' in width and adhere to AASHTO standards to qualify for funding, even if the segment is entirely within a public park.
  Additionally, to qualify as a "trail project," the primary component of the project must be either a ^[1] Regional Trail Segment; ^[2] Local Trail Connection; or ^[3] Dedicated Trail Facility. Projects that do not fall under any of these categories will be subject to the same award maximum and limitations as other park/other non-trail projects.
  
  1. Regional Trail Segment: Non-motorized shared-use path/trail segments that are identified within either MEPRD’s Long Range Development Plan or a plan adopted by a public entity within MEPRD’s jurisdiction; or any shared-use path trail segment with an existing or planned connection to the regional trail system.
  2. Local Trail Connection: Typically, shorter trail segments that, immediately upon completion, provide an accessible connection between where people live and key destination(s) in the community (e.g., public parks, schools, transit, businesses, etc.).
  3. Dedicated Trail Facility: The development of a new standalone restroom facility and/or parking facility (along with related amenities) which will be located adjacent and connected to an existing regional trail segment, or a regional trail segment that has broken ground, or one that will be built in unison with the dedicated regional trail facility.
     The primary use of the facility must be purposefully and exclusively designed to enhance the overall experience of regional trail segment users. Parking and restroom facilities built within parks, transit facilities, etc., even if adjacent and connected to a regional trail segment, are not defined as dedicated regional trail facilities.
• Expense Categories - Engineering Costs (A/E Fees): The Park and Trail Grant Program now distinguishes between two types of engineering costs: preliminary engineering (PE) and construction engineering (CE). Applicants are now required to specify the estimated costs for both types, if applicable, in the designated expense categories section of the application.
  The combined total of engineering costs, including PE and CE, cannot exceed 15% of your project’s total eligible expenses. Any excess engineering costs should be excluded from the eligible project total.

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 2025 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 2025 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 FY25 Park & Trail Grant Application for additional details.

• Applications Accepted:  July 10, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. — May 30, 2025, 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.)
• NOTE: 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)
• 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.

• MEPRD Funding Scenarios Calculator  

Finished with a park/trail project funded in part by MEPRD? Use the links provided below to download the appropriate MEPRD Grant Reimbursement Request Form and other resources.

• FY25 MEPRD Park & Trail Grant Reimbursement Request Form  
• FY18-24 MEPRD Park & Trail Grant Reimbursement Request Form  
• FY12-17 MEPRD Park & Trail Grant Reimbursement Request Form   
• MEPRD Project Expense Summary Worksheet  
• MEPRD Force Account Labor Worksheet    Optional
• MEPRD Park & Trail Grant Conditional Closeout Form    Optional

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our latest round of Park & Trail Grant awards under the FY25 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.

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: November 2024.

• Caseyville Township

Project Title:	Baseball Field #3 Lighting
Grant Amount:	$90,000.00
Project Scope:	Installation of field lighting at Baseball Field #3, including six new bases, five new poles, and replacing two existing poles at Field #4 in Caseyville Township Recreation Complex.

• Collinsville, City of

Project Title:	St. Louis Road Shared-Use Path Phase 1
Grant Amount:	$216,353.50
Project Scope:	Construction of a 0.11-mile, 10’ wide PCC shared-use path along the north side of St. Louis Road, between Maple Street and Main Street. Includes installation of high-visibility crosswalks, lighting, benches, and bike rack.

• Edwardsville, City of

Project Title:	IL-157 Shared Use Path Phase 4
Grant Amount:	$119,298.20
Project Scope:	Construction of a 0.43-mile, 10’ wide concrete shared-use path along IL-157 in Edwardsville, IL, from Enclave Blvd. to W. Schwarz St./IL-157 intersection.

• Fairview Heights, City of

Project Title:	Grant School Trail
Grant Amount:	$280,345
Project Scope:	Construction of a 0.25-mile share use path connecting the Bountiful Heights neighborhood to Grant Middle School.

• Glen Carbon, Village of

Project Title:	Glen Carbon Road Shared-Use Path Phase 3   ** CONTINGENT **
Grant Amount:	$190,981
Project Scope:	Construction of Phase 3 of the Glen Carbon Shared-Use Path, consisting of a 0.2-mile, 10-foot wide asphalt path along Glen Carbon Road, connecting the terminus of Phase 2 at Mark Trail Drive to IL-159/Troy Road.

• Madison County Mass Transit District (MCT)

Project Title:	MCT Confluence Trail Reconstruction
Grant Amount:	$300,000
Project Scope:	Reconstruction of a 2.6-mile segment of the MCT Confluence Trail, from 7th Street in Hartford, IL to Canal Road in Wood River, IL. Includes pavement removal, cement modified sub-base, new asphalt surface (10’-wide), and road improvements at trail crossings.

• Millstadt, Village of

Project Title:	Tennis Court Improvements
Grant Amount:	$34,016
Project Scope:	Enhancements to the existing tennis courts at Millstadt Village Park, including surface repairs, geotextile fabric repair system, court resurfacing, pickleball integration (new striping for tennis and pickleball), and new equipment (nets/posts and backboard).

• O'Fallon, City of

Project Title:	Pierce Boulevard Shared-Use Path
Grant Amount:	$300,000.00
Project Scope:	Construction of a 0.7-mile, 10’ wide shared-use path along the south end of Pierce Boulevard, from the existing sidewalk at Lincoln Avenue to the start of the Meijer redevelopment, where it will tie into a planned shared-use path from Meijer to Green Mount Road.

• St. Clair County

Project Title:	Foley Park Walking Trail
Grant Amount:	$149,858
Project Scope:	Improvements to Foley Park, including parking lot resurfacing (HMA) and the installation of a 1-mile walking trail (10’-wide, HMA) in the central area of Foley Park.

• St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD)

Project Title:	MetroBikeLink Extension
Grant Amount:	$300,000
Project Scope:	Construction of a 3-mile shared use path (10’-wide, asphalt) connecting the Shiloh-Scott Station outside SAFB to Reider Road; a segment of the planned 4.5-mi. extension to MidAmerica Airport. Includes signage, striping, safety fencing, and bollards.

• St. Clair Township

Project Title:	Chenot Park Walking Trail
Grant Amount:	$82,237
Project Scope:	Initial development of Chenot Park. Includes installation of an 8-space parking lot, a 0.25-mile walking trail (10’-wide, asphalt), benches (3), and wayfinding signage.

• Stookey Township

Project Title:	Pickleball & Volleyball Courts
Grant Amount:	$128,465.20
Project Scope:	Installation of four (4) pickleball courts, a sand volleyball court, a shelter/pavilion, and connecting sidewalks at Stookey Athletic Park.

• Williamson, Village of

Project Title:	Williamson Playground
Grant Amount:	$61,318.80
Project Scope:	Installation of an inclusive playground near the outdoor fitness court at Williamson Park. Includes a 60’ x 51’ concrete slab, rubber mulch/mat surfacing, playground equipment, outdoor instruments, and ADA/van-accessible parking.

• Wood River Township

Project Title:	Kutter Park Restroom
Grant Amount:	$142,400
Project Scope:	Installation of a prefabricated ADA-compliant restroom (11’ x 26’) near the pickleball courts at Kutter Park. Includes an attached drinking fountain, accessible PCC sidewalk, segmental block retaining wall, bollards, and parking blocks.

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 click the link below to send us a message: