Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have announced that $5 million in Outdoor Recreation Grant funding is now available to help local municipalities and eligible Native American tribes improve outdoor recreational facilities. The funding comes mainly from the 2024 Green Bond, which was approved by nearly 68 percent of Rhode Island voters.
Since its inception in 1988, the Outdoor Recreation Program has awarded more than $92 million through 568 grants, reaching all 39 communities in Rhode Island. Applications for this round are open until November 18, 2025.
“Increasing opportunities for Rhode Islanders to get outdoors and recreate improves mental well-being, public health, and quality of life,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Green spaces, playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational assets anchor communities and give them a sense of identity. I am grateful for DEM’s stewardship of this very popular matching grants program.”
“Investing in green spaces is not just about creating places to play and explore, it’s about protecting our environment, building community, and growing our economy,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Our state’s parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces are vital to public health, climate resilience, and support thousands of jobs.”
The grant program offers land acquisition grants up to $500,000 with a required minimum 50% local match. Development grants are also available: small development grants up to $125,000 and large development grants up to $500,000; both require at least a 25% local match. Applicants can find eligibility details at www.dem.ri.gov/plangrants.
Projects will be evaluated based on criteria from the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), with priority given to proposals serving urban areas or those identified as distressed or environmental justice communities.
DEM’s Green Space programs support land conservation efforts across the state by facilitating land acquisition for recreation as well as trail development. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation contributes significantly to Rhode Island’s economy by generating $2.4 billion in consumer spending each year and supporting approximately 24,000 jobs.
