City Receives $65,000 State Grant for Enhancements to Local Recreation
The state recently granted the city of New Brunswick a $65,000 grant to improve the recreational amenities in the area. This grant is a portion of a broader $25 million allocation made possible by the Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Local Government Services (DCA) to 372 towns, counties, and school districts throughout the state of New Jersey.
The goal of the grant program is to guarantee public access to high-quality outdoor areas and recreational facilities. Grants are given out via a competitive application process. DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez stressed the need of kept public spaces for community health and vitality. “For three years running, the department has provided grants to local governments to help them upgrade their parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational spaces,” Suárez stated. “We are proud of this investment in our communities because we know the positive impact it has on people’s physical and mental well-being.”
The money awarded to grant recipients will be used to pay for the renovation of various recreational facilities, such as multi-sport courts, walking or bicycle trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and community centers. The awards also cover the costs of project-development services including engineering and architectural fees, playground or bleacher equipment for stadiums or community theaters, and environmental cleanup required to make recreation areas usable.
The largest grant in Middlesex County will go to South River, which will receive $79,000, while Highland Park will receive $75,000. This cycle, Piscataway and Franklin, two nearby communities, were not granted any grants.
The Local Recreation Improvement Grant demonstrates the state’s dedication to granting the general public access to community facilities and acknowledges the vital role that outdoor recreation plays in improving mental and physical health, particularly for locals who may not have easy access to private or high-quality outdoor spaces.
Visit the NJ DCA website for additional information on the grant and the projects it supports.
Check out Black Bear Spotted in Lawrence Brook Area of East Brunswick.
