Recreation

Oregon Parks Opens Applications for $1.6 Million in Public Trail Project Grants

Oregon Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for approximately $1.6 million in grants supporting new and improved public trails across Oregon. Letters of intent are due Sept. 30.

Oregon communities and nonprofit organizations can now apply for a share of approximately $1.6 million available for public trail projects across the state.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said funding is available through the 2026 Recreational Trails Program grant cycle. Local governments, park districts, tribal governments, state and federal agencies, other public land managers and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

The grants can support motorized and non-motorized trail projects, including the construction of new trails and the restoration or improvement of existing routes. Funding may also be used for trailhead facilities, maintenance equipment, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education programs, accessibility assessments and water trails.

The federally funded program reimburses recipients after project expenses are incurred. Applicants must provide a match equal to 20 percent of the project’s total cost.

Organizations planning to apply must first submit a letter of intent through OPRDGrants.org by Sept. 30. Completed applications are due Nov. 16. New applicants will need to create an online account.

An optional webinar is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 9. The session will explain the program and walk applicants through the application process. Registration is available online, and a recording will later be posted to the program website.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered in Oregon by OPRD. It has supported more than 550 projects throughout the state since 1993.

Application instructions, the grant manual and additional program information are available on the Recreational Trails Program webpage.

Questions may be directed to program coordinator Jodi Bellefeuille at jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.