[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2025[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]

Contact: Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Vincent Grassi (609) 984-179

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MURPHY ADMINISTRATION INVITES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND NONPROFITS TO APPLY FOR PARKS AND OPEN SPACE GRANTS

GREEN ACRES EXPANDS ELIGIBILITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2026 FUNDING ROUND

(25/P50) TRENTON – The Murphy Administration today announced that it is accepting applications for park development and open space preservation projects through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.

monkeybarsAs part of the 2026 funding round, the DEP is making significant changes to the Green Acres Program’s eligibility requirements and grant funding levels that will substantially enhance the ability of local governments and nonprofits to provide park development and open preservation opportunities for residents. For the first time, each of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities will be eligible for a minimum of 25% grant funding.

The 2026 funding round also opens with more opportunities for project eligibility and the number of applications that can be submitted. Local governments and eligible nonprofits may now submit up to one application for each of three categories: land acquisition, park development, and stewardship. Previously, applicants could only submit a funding request for either an acquisition or a park development project, in addition to a stewardship initiative.

“Every resident of our state deserves well-designed and welcoming parks in their community and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors close to home,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The changes to this year’s application process, as well as expansion of funding and eligibility criteria, strengthen our commitment to these ideals for all. We are excited to continue New Jersey’s strong national legacy of open space preservation and commitment to high-quality recreation through the next round of Green Acres projects.”

birdsUnder the Murphy Administration, New Jersey has invested more Green Acres funding – more than $510 million — for land acquisition, park development, and stewardship than under any previous governor. The investment demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to ensure that every community has access to quality recreational amenities and plentiful open space.

The Murphy Administration has prioritized environmental justice, with added focus on communities long overburdened by a variety of environmental and public health stressors, to help improve quality of life. Across New Jersey, Green Acres funding has established, expanded, or revitalized new and existing parks, improved waterfront access, developed athletic field and playgrounds, and acquired land to preserve natural, historic, and cultural resources.

Eligibility Enhancements in Detail

In addition to fewer limitations on Green Acres funds for the 2026 application round, there also is an expansion of minimum grant funding levels for parks projects sponsored by counties and municipalities, and removal of geographic limitations on nonprofit park development projects.

The funding expansion makes Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Salem, Sussex, and Warren counties newly eligible for 50% grants for county-sponsored park development projects through the Green Acres Program.

Also, all municipalities are now eligible for a minimum of 25% grant funding for park development projects, which extends grant funding opportunities to an additional 402 municipalities that were previously only eligible for loan funding because of their population levels.

“We are proud to expand Green Acres funding opportunities this round, to empower municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations to accomplish the projects that residents want in their communities,” said Elizabeth Dragon, Assistant Commissioner for Community Investment and Economic Revitalization. “We look forward to increasing the State’s open space inventory, developing trails, and enhancing recreation opportunities statewide.”

Green Acres applications are now available on the Green Acres website. The application deadline for these funding opportunities is Feb. 27, 2026.

Changes for Park Development Projects

playgroundApplicants are strongly encouraged to submit project proposals to create or extend trails, which are the most requested recreation priority by the public in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan known as Outside, Together! The five-year strategic outdoor plan focuses on expanding open space, enhancing environmental stewardship, advancing climate resilience, promoting equity, and leveraging innovative technology to create a sustainable and resilient environment.

The three-year Jake’s Law Pilot Funding Program has ended but grant incentives for completely inclusive playground projects sponsored by local governments are available in this funding round under the park development category. Jake’s Law, passed in 2018, encourages New Jersey counties to build inclusive playgrounds designed with standards that generally exceed those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inclusive playgrounds are specifically designed to enhance the playground experience for those with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.

Green Acres also has lifted a geographical limit on nonprofit park development projects. Instead of being limited to projects in urban or densely populated municipalities, eligible nonprofits now can apply for park development projects anywhere in New Jersey.

Requirements for public engagement have been clarified and expanded this round to ensure that public feedback is solicited and considered during the project planning stage. By engaging with the public earlier, Green Acres applicants will gain the input needed to design a park that maximizes community benefits and aligns with community goals and needs.

Virtual Information Sessions

Green Acres will host several virtual application information sessions to help local governments and nonprofit organizations understand the 2026 funding round changes:

  • Nov. 17 – New application overview and Q&A
    • 10 to 11:30 a.m. for new Acquisition projects; and
    • 1 to 2:30 p.m. for Park Development and Stewardship projects
  • Nov. 18 – Acquisition Supplemental Funding Requests Overview and Q&A
    • 10 to 11 a.m. for applicants who have an open Planning Incentive or other open Acquisition project
  • Dec. 3 – Application Drop-In Q&A (no presentation)
    • 10 to 11 a.m. for all projects
  • Dec. 17 – Application Drop-In Q&A (no presentation)
    • 10 to 11 a.m. for all projects

Notices of these virtual application information sessions will be sent to stakeholders and are posted on the Green Acres website. The information sessions will be recorded, and the recordings will be posted on the Green Acres website.

Green Acres Program Overview

New Jersey has long been a national leader in preserving open space and creating parks. The Green Acres Program, the oldest of its kind in the nation, was created in 1961 as the result of an innovative bond referendum. To date, the Green Acres Program has protected more than 720,000 acres of open space and provided hundreds of recreational facilities around the state.

Green Acres projects create jobs and stimulate economic development by making communities more attractive places to live and work, consequently boosting civic pride. They also improve air and water quality, providing New Jerseyans with a better quality of life. Green Acres funding allows governments and nonprofits to leverage millions of additional preservation dollars through matching federal, state, county and local funds, as well as from private sources.

To learn more about the Green Acres Program, visit www.NJGreenAcres.org

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