City Receives $65,000 State Grant for Enhancements to Local Recreation
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — The state has awarded the city of New Brunswick a $65,000 grant aimed at enhancing recreational amenities across the area. The funding is part of a larger $25 million allocation distributed by the Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Local Government Services (DCA) to 372 municipalities, counties, and school districts throughout New Jersey.
Program Goals and Selection Process
The grant program is designed to ensure public access to quality outdoor spaces and recreational facilities. Awards are made through a competitive application process. DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez emphasized the importance of well-maintained public spaces for community health and vitality. “For three consecutive years, the department has provided grants to local governments to help them upgrade their parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational areas,” Suárez said. “We’re proud of this investment in our communities because we understand the positive effects it has on people’s physical and mental well-being.”
How the Money Will Be Used
Funds awarded to grant recipients will go toward renovating a range of recreational facilities, including multi-sport courts, walking and biking trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and community centers. The grants also cover project-development costs such as engineering and architectural fees, equipment like playground structures or stadium bleachers, and environmental cleanup needed to make recreation areas safe and usable.
Middlesex County Breakdown
The largest grant in Middlesex County will go to South River, which is receiving $79,000, while Highland Park will get $75,000. In this funding cycle, nearby communities Piscataway and Franklin did not receive any grants.
Broader Impact
The Local Recreation Improvement Grant reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring public access to community facilities and recognizes the essential role outdoor recreation plays in boosting mental and physical health—especially for residents who may lack easy access to private or high-quality green spaces.
For more information about the grant and the projects it supports, visit the NJ DCA website.
