[New] State grants $24.3 for park, nonprofit improvements

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday $24.3 million has been awarded to support 56 municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for park improvements, heritage area enhancements and historic preservation projects through Round XII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The grants from the Environmental Protection Fund are administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

“Communities across our great state have felt and will continue to enjoy the benefits of these grants that will go towards improving quality of life, promoting tourism, and restoring local landmarks and waterfronts,” Hochul said. “These grants underscore our commitment to investing in regional strengths to transform our communities into places where people live, work, and will visit for generations to come.”

“The Regional Economic Development Council initiative continues to generate new opportunities, investments, and economic development in New York State,” said Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. “Building a stronger New York means investing in regional priorities like parks and heritage areas that support community development efforts. Congratulations to these recipients from 32 counties across the Empire State.”

The Environmental Protection Fund, EPF,

Grant Program for Parks, Heritage and Preservation supports matching grants for the acquisition, planning, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas located within New York. Funds are awarded to municipalities or not-for-profits with an ownership interest.

Funding for this program was included in Round XII of the Regional Economic Development Council, REDC, Initiative. The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. Regional Councils reviewed projects from this program and provided scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies. Applicants utilized New York’s Consolidated Funding Application, the state’s single application for state resources, which includes programs from numerous agencies. It is designed to provide expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs.

Erik Kulleseid, commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said, “These grants will help enhance the environment, expand access to outdoor recreation, celebrate our diverse culture and improve the economic vitality of communities from one end of the state to another. Our agency looks forward to working with the grant recipients to make these exciting projects a success.”

Several of the projects included in the funding were earmarked for Westchester County, including:

An amount of $225,000 awarded to Standard Amusements for marketing the historic amusement park Playland. Standard Amusements will complete a marketing campaign to attract visitors to Playland Amusement Park as a unique destination for outdoor recreation. Funding efforts will allow Playland to market beyond traditional channels throughout New York state.

Historic Hudson Valley was awarded $421,000 to host their Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze events in Nassau and Westchester counties by using targeted marketing strategies that include enhanced production technology for experiential events. Elevating both Blazes to new levels of production innovation will offer incentive for repeat visitors from both within and outside New York state.

And the city of New Rochelle received $500,000 to begin the transformation of Hudson Park, an underutilized waterfront park located at the south end of the city, by rehabilitating the waterfront promenade and boardwalk as well as the sundeck and pier.