What's Available Right Now
If you're looking to fund a playground improvement project, community park upgrade, or recreational facility, here's what we're tracking: - **62 opportunities** that specifically mention playgrounds (equipment, surfacing, installation, renovation) - **361 recreation-related opportunities** including parks, trails, and community recreation facilities - **22 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs** across multiple states, several of which fund public facilities and park improvements - **6 Community Facilities programs** including USDA Rural Development grants These break into two categories: **grant programs** (federal and state agencies giving you money) and **procurement contracts** (municipalities hiring contractors to do playground work). Both are valuable depending on whether you're the organization building the playground or the contractor installing it. Search playground improvement opportunities on Funding Landscape →
Federal Grant Programs for Playground and Park Projects
Four major federal programs fund playground and park improvements. Each works differently: **Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)** Administered by the National Park Service through state agencies. LWCF grants require a 50% local match and fund acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas, including playgrounds. We track LWCF programs in multiple states including Virginia (Department of Conservation and Recreation) and Alabama (ADECA). These are typically rolling or annual application cycles. **Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program** Also administered by the National Park Service, ORLP targets economically disadvantaged urban communities that lack close-to-home outdoor recreation. Awards go up to **$15 million per application**. The current 5-year recurring notice is open through November 2029. Texas Parks & Wildlife is accepting state-level ORLP applications with a **deadline of April 15, 2026**. This is one of the largest single-award programs available for park projects. **USDA Community Facilities Program** The Rural Housing Service offers Community Facilities grants for essential community infrastructure in rural areas, including parks and recreation facilities. The Disaster Repair track provides up to **$50 million** in grant funding to eligible public bodies, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Standard Community Facilities grants and loans are available on a rolling basis for communities under 20,000 population. **Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)** HUD's CDBG program is one of the most flexible federal funding sources for playground projects. We track 22 CDBG programs across states including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Key current opportunities: - **Illinois CDBG Economic Development Program**: Up to $1.9 million, rolling deadline - **Hillsborough County CDBG Public Facilities and Improvements**: Deadline February 25, 2026 - **Indian Community Development Block Grant**: Up to $2 million for tribal communities - **Colorado CDBG Business Loan**: Up to $35,000 for rural area businesses CDBG funds can be used for playground equipment, park improvements, and recreation facilities when the project primarily benefits low- and moderate-income residents.
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State Park Grant Programs
Several states run their own park improvement grant programs, often using a mix of federal pass-through and state funds: **Texas Parks & Wildlife Department** offers the most robust state-level park program we track, with four active programs: - **Local Parks Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation**: Up to **$750,000**, deadline August 1, 2026 - **Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation**: Up to **$1.5 million**, deadline August 1, 2026 - **Local Parks Small Community Recreation**: Up to **$150,000**, deadline August 1, 2026 - **Recreational Trails Program**: Up to **$500,000**, deadline February 2, 2027 These Texas programs assist local governments with acquisition and development of public recreation areas, including playground installation and improvement. **Recreational Trails Program (RTP)** Funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by states, RTP provides grants for trail development and maintenance. We track active RTP programs in Alabama (ADECA, rolling deadline) and Washington State (Recreation and Conservation Office, deadline November 3, 2026). While focused on trails, RTP can fund playground elements along trail corridors and trailhead recreation areas. **Virginia Land and Water Conservation Fund** Administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia's LWCF program funds outdoor recreation development on a rolling basis. Most states have similar programs, search your state name plus 'parks' or 'recreation' on Funding Landscape to find what's available in your area.
Procurement Contracts: If You Install Playgrounds
If you're a contractor, equipment supplier, or installer, there are dozens of active procurement opportunities for playground work right now. Current examples from our database: - **Arrowwood Park Playground Installation**, Massachusetts - **Cherokee Bluffs Park Rubber Mulch Playground Surfacing**, Georgia (deadline Feb 26) - **Construction Services for Playground Improvements**, Colorado (deadline Feb 20) - **Hill City Elementary School Playground Renovation**, Georgia (deadline Feb 23) - **2026 Playground Improvements**, Pennsylvania (deadline March 19) - **Warren Park Playground Replacement**, Massachusetts (deadline Feb 19) - **Mayfair Park Playground Replacement**, Ohio (deadline Feb 17) - **Design-Install Playground for Trailblazer**, Newton County, GA (deadline Feb 12) - **Poured in Place Playground Surfacing Purchase/Installation**, Massachusetts - **Berrian Park Playground Equipment**, Illinois (deadline Feb 26) - **LAUSD Resilient Playground Matting Repair and Replacement**, Los Angeles, CA - **Purchase of Playground Resurfacing Material**, Gwinnett County, GA These are typically bid through BidNet Direct or county procurement portals. New playground procurement opportunities appear weekly as municipalities plan spring and summer construction seasons. Search current playground contracts →
Who's Eligible
Eligibility varies by program: **Local governments** (cities, counties, townships, park districts) are eligible for almost everything: LWCF, ORLP, CDBG, state park grants, and USDA Community Facilities. **Nonprofits** can access CDBG funding (when working through local government), USDA Community Facilities grants, and some state programs. Youth-serving organizations, community development corporations, and recreation nonprofits are particularly well-positioned. **Tribal governments** have dedicated programs: the Indian Community Development Block Grant (up to $2 million) and USDA Community Facilities grants for federally recognized tribes. **School districts** can fund playground improvements through some federal education programs, CDBG (if serving low-income communities), and state education facility grants. The LAUSD playground matting contract shows how large districts procure playground services. **Contractors and suppliers** should focus on the procurement opportunities, municipalities across the country are actively bidding playground installation, surfacing, and equipment contracts. **Key requirement for most federal grants:** A local match (typically 50% for LWCF, varies for CDBG and USDA). Plan your budget accordingly. In-kind contributions often count toward the match.
How to Write a Competitive Playground Grant Application
Based on the programs we track, successful playground and park grant applications share these elements: **1. Demonstrate community need** Document the condition of existing playground equipment (photos, safety inspection reports). Show that your community lacks adequate recreation facilities. For ORLP and CDBG, emphasize service to low- and moderate-income populations. **2. Show community input** Federal programs like LWCF and ORLP strongly favor projects with documented community engagement. Hold public meetings, conduct surveys, and include letters of support from community organizations. **3. Include ADA compliance** All federally funded playground projects must comply with ADA accessibility requirements. Include accessible playground equipment, surfacing, and pathways in your design. This isn't optional, it's a requirement that also strengthens your application. **4. Plan for maintenance** Grant reviewers want to know the playground won't fall into disrepair. Include a maintenance plan and identify the ongoing funding source for upkeep. **5. Leverage multiple funding sources** The strongest applications combine funding: use a state park grant for equipment, CDBG for site preparation, and local funds for the match. Harris County, TX is currently soliciting proposals for park and playground improvements funded through ARPA, showing how creative funding stacks work. **6. Meet the match requirement** Most programs require 50% local match. Start identifying match sources early: local government budget allocations, donated materials, volunteer labor (documented at fair market rates), and private donations all count.
Timeline: When to Apply
Playground grant programs follow predictable cycles. Here's what's coming: **Now through Spring 2026:** - Hillsborough County CDBG Public Facilities: **February 25, 2026** - Texas ORLP applications: **April 15, 2026** - Dozens of playground procurement contracts with Feb-March deadlines **Summer 2026:** - Texas Local Parks programs (Non-Urban, Urban, Small Community): **August 1, 2026** - Many state LWCF programs open their annual cycles **Fall 2026:** - Indian Community Development Block Grant: **September 30, 2026** - Washington State Recreational Trails Program: **November 3, 2026** **Ongoing/Rolling:** - USDA Community Facilities grants - Multiple state CDBG programs (PA, IL, AL, OK, CO) - Virginia LWCF - Alabama LWCF and Recreational Trails - NPS ORLP 5-year recurring notice (through November 2029) **Pro tip:** Most playground construction happens in spring and summer. If you're applying to a state park grant with a summer deadline, you're likely building the following spring. Plan 12-18 months from application to ribbon-cutting.
Start Your Search
Funding Landscape tracks playground, park, and recreation opportunities from federal agencies, state programs, and local procurement portals, all in one search. Search playground improvement opportunities → You can also try these related searches: - Community park grants → - Recreation facility funding → - LWCF grants → - Recreational trails → New opportunities are added daily as state and local governments post new grant cycles and procurement bids. Set up a saved search to get notified when new playground funding becomes available.