Park Hopping For Health: Park and Recreation Grants For 2024
As summer comes to a close and we return to our routine of work, school, and the like, we encourage you to continue spending time outdoors! One convenient and affordable way to stay active is to visit local parks. In truth, parks offer many valuable perks. For example, communities prioritizing green spaces see health, economic, equality, and environmental benefits. However, funding is needed to build and maintain local parks and recreation facilities. In truth, the best park and recreation grants for 2024 can be found on GrantWatch. We urge our community decision-makers to apply for grants. Above all, parks help build healthy, stable communities. So, why not give grants a try? What have you been waiting for?
Parks Provide Health Benefits
Spending time in green spaces improves physical and mental health. In truth, green spaces are cost-effective public health resources. Parks, trails, urban farms, and other green spaces provide health benefits. To illustrate, utilizing parks for movement can provide physical therapy after surgery, lower rates of asthma, obesity, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. We encourage you to take this as your sign to regularly schedule time for a digital detox routine that works for you. Spending time outside is great for the entire family. In truth, play is critical for child development. So turn off the TV and head to your local park.
Parks & Recreation Provide Community Outreach Venues
Did you know? Our parks are also of social importance. Many parks house historical memorials and provide venue space for sports tournaments, farmer’s markets, arts and music events, and other festivals. Above all, these events build community and promote equality. Because of this, Parks and Recreation are Essential Public Services.
Parks Build Regional Economies
Parks provide economic benefits to their communities. To illustrate, well-maintained parks increase property values. This increase in private property value increases property tax revenues and improves regional economies. Likewise, tourism to park events helps fuel regional economies. Furthermore, research shows that quality parks and recreation is one of the top three reasons individuals and businesses move to a new location.
The effects of parks on mental health are in part attributed to exercise, numerous studies indicate that simply spending time in parks, regardless of activity, contributes to lower levels of stress and higher levels of self-reported life satisfaction and happiness. The economic value of health benefits linked to green space use and exposure…Other benefits of the park could include a respite from hot temperatures, heat island reduction in the city center, relief from noise pollution, increased biodiversity, business attraction due to enhanced downtown environments, and social benefits resulting from stronger feelings of community cohesion, higher levels of community engagement, and reduced isolation.
Benefits of Urban Park Investment
Resources For Finding Parks Near You
- National Park Service – Find A Park Search – Search the national parks list. Because most states have a national park, you may be surprised to learn that there is a fantastic closer than you think.
- All Trails – Locate trails that match your skill level by searching this database of verified trails worldwide.
- Bring Fido – Do you have a dog? Search for pet-friendly activities, parks, greenspaces, events, and more.
- Playground Buddy – This app helps parents and caretakers locate parks that provide safe playgrounds for children to play outside, socialize, and join sporting events.
- Park Finder – Search parks by activity, including historical tours, forging, birdwatching, disk golf, horseback riding, swimming, boating, geocaching, off-roading, scenic drives, and more.
How To Locate Best Park and Recreation Grants For 2024
Building and maintaining parks and recreation spaces takes funding. One of the perks of grants is that you do not have to pay them back. To find grants it is recommended to use the SMART grant search. Here, you can filter through grants to locate grants of interest for your park and recreation projects. Below are park and recreation grants for 2024 to help you start your grant research. Are you a grant-maker or looking to create a grant? Parks and recreation grants boost the regional economy. Grant-makers can submit a free request to promote new grants using the Add A New Grant form to list new, currently available, and upcoming grants.
- Funding for Projects to Promote Bicycling – Grants of up to $10,000 to USA nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and small businesses for programs and projects to promote bicycling. Specifically, funding is intended for bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride.
- Grants Provided for an Environmental Stewardship Initiative – Support funding of up to $3,500 for an environmental stewardship initiative. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, litter prevention, park beautification events, trail building or restoration projects, earth study missions, sustainable land management activities, community environmental educational projects, and youth educational engagement events.
- Grants to Preserve Humanities Resources – Grants of up to $10,000 to USA nonprofit organizations, IHEs, Tribes, and government agencies to enhance the care and conservation of humanities collections.
- Grants to Researchers for Wildlife Protection – Grants of up to $25,000 to USA, Canada, and International researchers for wildlife and plant protection initiatives. Priority will be given to species facing a high risk of extinction. Projects supporting the professional development of young conservationists will also be prioritized.
- Funding Support to Reduce the Adverse Effects of Climate Change on Health – Grants of up to $50,000 to USA and Canada nonprofit organizations and IHEs for activities that address, and work to mitigate, the adverse effects of climate change on health.
Park administrators and health professionals should think of parks as part of a holistic public health strategy. If we had a medicine that delivered as many benefits as parks, we would all be taking it,” says Frumkin, the former dean of the University of Washington School of Public Health and a past official of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Parks deliver cardiovascular benefits, fight loneliness, combat osteoporosis, counter stress and anxiety, and more. And they do those things without adverse side effects and at minimal cost.
Dr. Howard Frumkin, a senior vice president at Trust for Public Land and coeditor of Making Healthy Places
Hiring Grant Writers for Parks and Recreation Grants
Now that you know how to locate the best park and recreation grants for 2024, it is time to apply for grants. Writing grant applications are often overwhelming. However, hiring a grant writer will increase your chances of success. Professional grant writers bring expertise, industry knowledge, and a strategic approach to crafting compelling proposals. To hire a professional grant writer, visit GrantWriterTeam.com and post a classified ad. Vet your grant writer candidates to help you choose a grant writer with industry knowledge, creativity, strong writing skills, and a proven track record.
About GrantWatch
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