Parks ‘mini-grant’ program accepting applications until Oct. 31

A new round of a “minigrant” program to help eight area towns spruce up their parks has begun.

Officials in Douglass Township, Lower Pottsgrove, New Hanover, Pottstown, West Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove, East Coventry and North Coventry have until Oct. 31 to apply.

Applicants may request up to $25,000 for their proposed project, and grant applications and guidelines are available at pottstownmetroregion.com/minigrant-program.

The program is run by the The Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee, with funding support from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation and the Pennsylvania

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Funding is for projects that supports the planning and development of community park improvements.

The purpose of the Pottstown Regional Parks MiniGrant Program is to support and implement the recommendations included in the comprehensive regional parks study, Planning and Design Strategies for Healthy Living, Parks, and Recreation in the Pottstown Region, which outlines strategies to enhance the regional park system.

The study recommendations are consistent with the regional comprehensive plan and the Pennsylvania Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan recommendations. The funding from this program will assist municipalities in undertaking planning and development projects that add and enhance amenities to existing park facilities and open spaces.

Preference for funding will be given to proposals that align with local, regional, and statewide plans; promote the health and well-being of area residents; engage the public in the planning, design, implementation, and stewardship of the project; and incorporate green and sustainable management practices.

DCNR is the primary source of state support for

Pennsylvania recreation, parks, and conservation initiatives. Grant funding from DCNR assists hundreds of communities and