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Columbia, S.C. – Thirteen recreation projects across South Carolina will receive support from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to expand or improve local parks, public boating areas, and more.

The LWCF is a federal grant available to eligible local and state government entities to reimburse up to 50% of the project cost to acquire or develop outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Any property that uses LWCF money must be maintained in perpetuity as an active and viable outdoor recreation site.

“Communities know that investing in outdoor recreation opportunities brings a variety of benefits, but often, they need a little help bringing their plans to fruition,” said SCPRT director Duane Parrish. “LWCF funding helps state and local entities acquire, enhance, and create vital recreational areas that exist in perpetuity. Thanks to the $4.2 million in LWCF funding, along with the support and passion of community members and officials, these 13 projects will improve the quality of life for local residents and help attract more visitors to these areas for generations.”

The following 13 projects were selected in the 2022 LWCF cycle:

• City of Aiken | Smith-Hazel Park Rehabilitation
  Grant Award: $306,625 | Total Project Cost: $613,250
  For the rehabilitation of Smith-Hazel Park to include playground equipment and surfacing; rehabilitation of two tennis courts and construction of two additional courts (to include pickleball striping); walking trail resurfacing; parking upgrades; pool amenities to include a permanent shade structure; basketball court resurfacing; and site lighting.
  
  
• City of Charleston | Fort Pemberton – Public Access Improvements
  Grant Award: $261,000 | Total Project Cost: $522,000
  To renovate property along the Stono River to include upgrading two docks, removing/modifying an existing house and garage, restroom, parking, paths and boardwalks, benches, bike racks, picnic tables, swings, drinking fountains, and landscaping.
  
  
• Charleston County P&RC |Isle of Palms County Park ADA Beach Access Boardwalk
  Grant Award: $427,827.50 | Total Project Cost: $855,655
  To replace the aging boardwalk and outdoor showers; add an ADA-accessible observation deck, gates, and benches; and replace the railing at Isle of Palms County Park.
  
  
• Town of Edisto | Vine Street Bike Path Resurface
  Grant Award: $124,999.60 | Total Project Cost: $249,999.20
  To resurface approximately 4,900 feet of existing bike path along Vine Street from Sunset Street to Edisto Street, including ADA paving and markings.
  
  
• City of Greenville | Gower Park Renovation
  Grant Award: $500,000 | Total Project Cost: $1,400,000
  To renovate existing tennis and basketball courts by expanding the footprint of the courts and providing two new basketball courts, three new tennis courts, and eight new pickleball courts. The project will also renovate the parking lot.
  
  
• Lexington County Recreation Commission | Cayce Pickle Ball Courts (Wilkinson Park)
  Grant Award: $372,860 | Total Project Cost: $745,720
  The project is to construct 16 fenced and lighted pickleball courts and a restroom building at Wilkinson Park.
  
  
• City of Liberty | City Gym Park
  Grant Award: $50,000 | Total Project Cost: $100,000
  The project will remove asphalt from both tennis courts and reconstruct them with new asphalt, striping for tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts; remove and add new perimeter fencing and add middle fencing to break up the courts; and add an ADA-accessible sidewalk from the parking lot to the courts.
  
  
• City of Spartanburg | Revitalizing Duncan Park
  Grant Award: $300,000 | Total Project Cost: $600,000
  The project will revitalize Duncan Park to include a paved trail to connect to the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail and Daniel Morgan Trail System, replace a wooden bridge with an aluminum bridge, and remove invasive plant species.
  
  
• City of North Augusta | Sharon Jones Amphitheater
  Grant Award: $264,391 | Total Project Cost: $528,782
  The project will design, engineer, and construct an ADA-accessible restroom and dressing room for the park.
  
  
• City of York | City Park Phase II
  Grant Award: $150,000 | Total Project Cost: $300,000
  To complete Phase II at City Park to include a restroom/storage building, a raised outdoor amphitheater, and landscaping.
  
  
• South Carolina State Parks | Hughes Property
  Grant Award: $500,000 | Total Project Cost: $1,000,000
  To acquire 150 acres of property adjoining Paris Mountain State Park.
  
  
• South Carolina State Parks | River Falls Property
  Grant Award: $500,000 | Total Project Cost: $1,000,000
  To acquire 170 acres of property that will connect with the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area.
  
  
• Anderson County | Piedmont Riverfront Park Phase I
  Grant Award: $500,000 | Total Project Cost: $1,210,065
  The project will provide new public access opportunities to include an ADA-accessible kayak launch, boat landing, and shoreline trail at an undeveloped 30-acre park along the Saluda River in Piedmont.

SCPRT serves as South Carolina’s LWCF lead agency. The LWCF program is administered by the National Park Service. Grants range from $50,000 - $300,000, with projects of statewide or regional significance qualifying for up to $500,000 (with pre-approval). Property must be owned outright by the applicant to be eligible. 

Information about the next LWCF cycle is expected to be announced in August 2023. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Debbie Jordan, SCPRT Grants Coordinator, at djordan@scprt.com as soon as possible to discuss their projects and the requirements and restrictions of the LWCF program.

Find additional award criteria, contact information, and eligibility information here. Learn more about SCPRT grant programs at scprt.com/grants.

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