California State Parks Opens Applications for Nearly $190 Million in Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grants
Contact:
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
Primrose Park in Temple City, created with the help of Statewide Park Development Community Revitalization Program (SPP) funding, opened in February 2025. The new 1-acre park features a playground, group picnic area, open lawn, walking track, outdoor exercise equipment, public art and mural areas, flower sculpture water feature, landscaping, and parking. Photo from California State Parks.
What you need to know: Eligible applicants can compete for grants of up to $8.5 million per project to create new parks or renovate and expand existing parks in critically underserved, climate-vulnerable communities throughout California. Approximately $188.5 million is available statewide, and applications are due Dec. 17, 2026.
SACRAMENTO— California State Parks is inviting eligible applicants throughout California to apply for Round 5 of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), funded by Proposition 4 (2024 Climate Bond). The competitive grant program is designed to expand access to outdoor recreation by funding new parks and improvements to existing parks in critically underserved and climate-vulnerable communities. Approximately $188.5 million is available statewide, and applicants may request up to $8.5 million per project. Applications are due Dec. 17, 2026.
“Having access to outdoor spaces is critical for all Californians, and this Climate Bond investment will contribute to improving the quality of life for many people who seek local parks to improve their physical, mental and social well-being,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We are proud to continue investing in projects that expand access to outdoor recreation and help ensure more people can enjoy the many benefits of nearby parks.”
The program supports park projects in communities with limited or no access to nearby public outdoor recreation. It supports the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All Initiative by reducing barriers for communities that have historically faced challenges accessing nature and outdoor recreation.
Key Details
- Grant Purpose: Supports the acquisition and development of new parks and the renovation or expansion of existing parks in critically underserved and climate-vulnerable communities.
- Deadline: Dec. 17, 2026, before midnight.
- Grant Amount: $188.5 million statewide; up to $8.5 million can be requested per application.
- Criteria: Eligible applicants include cities, counties, districts, Joint Powers Authorities, and nonprofit organizations.
- Application Process: Applicants must first submit an online application to State Parks by the due date.
- Application Assistance: State Parks will host virtual and in-person workshops throughout the state to help applicants prepare their application. Visit the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program webpage for workshop dates, times and locations, and registration information.
If you have specific questions about a potential project, please contact your county’s assigned Competitive Review Project Officer.
About the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program
SPP is the largest park-related grant program in California’s history, with more than $1.2 billion in funding awarded through the 2018 Proposition 68 and 2006 Proposition 84 Bond Acts, along with state General Funds. With the addition of Round 5 funding through the Climate Bond, SPP is anticipated to surpass $1.3 billion in total park investments supporting critically underserved communities throughout California. Under the Newsom Administration, the program has invested $802 million in 174 park projects.
To help capture the legacy and impact of these investments, “before and after” site photos are featured on Parks for All Californians gallery page at parksforcalifornia.org.
About the Office of Grants and Local Services
California State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) develops grant programs to fund projects for local, state and nonprofit organizations. Since 1964, nearly 8,000 community parks throughout California have been created or improved with OGALS grant funding investments. Since 2000, this state program has administered approximately $4.4 billion in grant funding across the state.View recent projects here: Parks for All Californians: Projects Gallery and Map.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.