Open space grant applications sought

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders is soliciting applications from municipalities wishing to compete for a share of $2 million from the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant Program to create, expand and improve local parks.

Applications for the latest round of grants have been mailed to all 53 Monmouth County municipalities. The deadline for submitting a grant application is 4 p.m. Sept. 22, and only complete applications will be considered for funding. Grant awards will be announced in December.

The grants, part of a competitive matching funds program for municipalities, are administered by the county park system and funded through the Monmouth County Open Space Trust Fund.

“Through this program, towns and the county partner to providing recreation and open space that benefits our residents and the environment,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the park system. “Quality parks and open space contribute positively to the quality of life here in Monmouth County. I encourage all of our municipalities to consider submitting their plans for open space acquisitions or park improvements.”

All Monmouth County municipalities are eligible to apply for funding awards.