Rhode Island DEM offering $4 million to support recreational facilities throughout state

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is offering $4 million in matching grants to promote recreational facilities in communities, part of Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s efforts to increase outdoor recreation throughout the state.

"There are tremendous economic, health, and environmental benefits to modernizing our recreational facilities and creating greenspace in our cities," Raimondo said. "These features — as well as the many amazing parks, beaches, and other natural areas around the state— help attract people to live and grow a family or business in Rhode Island. Promoting this critical sector of our economy is key to moving our state forward."

The grants will range from $100,000 to $400,000 and are part of the DEM’s community recreation grant program, which has funded projects in all of Rhode Island’s 39 communities with a total of $66 million.

"We encourage cities and towns to take advantage of this opportunity to improve and expand their recreational facilities," DEM Director Janet Coit said. "Providing people with places in their neighborhood to get outdoors and enjoy nature is core to ensuring Rhode Island remains a wonderful place to live and to fostering our next generation of environmental stewards."

The DEM is accepting applications until May 27.