Garrison Diversion Funds 12 Recreation Projects, Boosts Local Facilities
The Garrison Diversion Conservancy District Recreation Committee on December 2 awarded matching recreation grants totaling $282,138 to 12 projects across the region. The awards fund playgrounds, pool construction and fairground improvements, and signal opportunities for local governments and community groups to leverage state level support for recreation infrastructure.
On December 2 the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District Recreation Committee approved matching recreation grants to 12 projects totaling $282,138. The awards are intended to help local governments and park districts complete or expand recreation facilities that serve residents and attract visitors.
Committee Chairman Bruce Klein said, "Garrison Diversion’s Matching Recreation Grant Program is an immeasurable benefit for participating communities. We are always happy to help out with so many deserving recreation projects." The committee distributed funds to projects in multiple counties, including several in the Jamestown region where local recreation needs have been a priority this year.
Barnes County received two awards in the Jamestown region, with $15,404 granted to Valley City Parks and Recreation for work at Chautauqua Park, and $6,250 awarded to the City of Rogers for the Rogers Park playground project. Foster County secured $9,720 to enable the Foster County Fair Board to purchase new bleachers for the fairgrounds. LaMoure County received $12,515 to the LaMoure Park District to complete the final phase of the Sunset Park Swim Center.
Awards were also made to projects in Benson, Cass, Grand Forks, McLean, Ransom and Ward counties, bringing the total number of funded projects to 12. The Matching Recreation Grant Program requires local matching contributions, which leverages local dollars and often determines which projects are feasible within municipal and nonprofit budgets.
For Stutsman County residents the round offers both perspective and opportunity. No Stutsman County projects were among the recipients named in this round, which underscores the competitive nature of the program and the importance of advance planning for local park boards and city councils that seek state level support. Communities considering playground upgrades, pool repairs or fairground improvements should review local budgets to assemble matching funds ahead of the next application window.
The spring deadline for Matching Recreation Grant applications is March 1. Interested local governments and park districts should consult the Garrison Diversion website for program details and application instructions, and prepare documentation of project scope and matching commitments in advance.
