We wanted to share a state grant opportunity for support of recreational facility improvements and repairs available to counties, municipalities, and school districts.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is accepting applications for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program. The state has allocated $10 million in the current state budget to this competitive grant program. The grants can be used for the improvement and repair of public recreation facilities including local parks, municipal recreation centers, and local stadiums.

LRIG funds will be awarded to successful grant applicants to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities; one-time personnel costs directly related to improvements; project development professional services costs; equipment costs including playground and recreation facilities equipment; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use.

Applications must be submitted through the DCA SAGE Portal by 5 p.m. on February 13, 2026.

Program guidelines and detailed information about the FY 2026 LRIG Program are available on the DCA website.