New York is opening a new round of funding to help communities upgrade parks and recreation spaces — with projects like one in Dundee showing what’s possible.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $10 million will be available through the second round of the Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program. The funding supports local park improvements designed to get kids and families outdoors and away from screens.
The program builds on last year’s first round of grants, which funded 17 projects statewide. One of those was in the Village of Dundee, where $1 million is being used to transform Millard Park into a more inclusive, active community space.
Plans for the Dundee project include new walking trails, outdoor fitness stations, an inclusive playground, and a dog park. State officials say the upgrades will create a welcoming destination for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities, while encouraging exercise and social connection.
The new funding round will support similar projects across the state. Eligible uses include playgrounds, sports courts, fields, swimming facilities, trails, and other recreational amenities on municipally owned land. Grants can cover up to 90 percent of project costs, with awards capped at $900,000.
“This second round of Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant funding will help improve the state’s social infrastructure to encourage New Yorkers to disconnect from their digital devices and reconnect with the outdoors,” Hochul said.
Applications for the program open Dec. 31 and are due by Feb. 9. Awards are expected to be announced in late May. The grants are funded through the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act approved by voters in 2022.
State officials say projects like Dundee’s Millard Park highlight how targeted investments can reshape local spaces. By modernizing parks and making them more accessible, communities can create places where kids play, families gather, and neighbors connect.
The grant program also supports Hochul’s broader Unplug and Play initiative, which invests in swimming facilities, playgrounds, and community centers to promote physical and mental health for young people.
Local governments that own park property are eligible to apply. Construction must be part of the proposal, though limited design and planning costs may be included.
For communities looking to follow Dundee’s lead, state officials say the goal is simple: build better parks, create healthier habits, and give kids more reasons to get outside.
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