Program has turned $1.2 million investment into $3.6 million in park improvements since 1994
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is currently accepting grant applications for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Capital Improvement Incentive Fund (CIIF).
This year up to $25,000 in matching funds will be awarded to park improvement projects that further the mission of the department. Approved grants may receive up to 50 percent of the cost of a project up to $5,000. Examples of past CIIF funded projects include trail construction, provision of lighting or fencing for sports fields, landscape improvements, playground expansion and restroom construction.
According to department director Doug Blount, the CIIF program is a tremendous asset to the community. “This program allows our citizens to have a positive and immediate impact on our parks,” says Blount. “Not only do these projects engage the community in a worthwhile cause, but they also double the effectiveness of tax dollars put to work for projects that may not otherwise get funded. I’m always excited to see the innovative park improvement ideas that come out of our own communities.”
New this year, grant applications will be accepted through an online form only, which can be found at www.RoanokeCountyParks.com/CIIF. Once applications are received by the deadline of Friday, June 29, a selection committee will review the projects and recommend them for funding based on established selection criteria. Since the CIIF program began in 1994, Roanoke County has awarded over $1.2 million for park improvements, resulting in a total infrastructure investment of over $3.6 million, thanks to the help of our citizens and community partners.
- Submitted by Scott Ramsburg, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism