Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT)

Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT) is sponsored by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. A matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development. Projects can include park land acquisition, planning and design of parks or trails, and outdoor recreation facility construction.

Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program - DNREC Div. of Climate, Coastal and Energy Div. of Waste and Hazardous Substances Div.

of Fish and Wildlife Div. of Parks and Recreation Div.

of Watershed Stewardship Environmental Justice at DNREC Environmental Appeals Board Coastal Zone Industrial Control Board Parks and Recreation Council Planning, Preservation and Development Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Recreation, Parks and Trails Funding Conservation Options for Landowners Natural Areas and Nature Preserves Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council Visiting Nature Preserves The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware.

The program was established in 1986 with annual deposits from real estate transfer tax to grow the Trust. Trust-generated income is used to fund the Program. Since 1988, when the first grants were awarded, the program has provided over $36 million in matching grant assistance to eligible local, county and state governments throughout Delaware.

Grant Eligibility and Application Municipal and county governments, and park districts, may apply for grant funding under the Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program. Grants may be awarded for projects such as park land acquisition, planning and design of parks or trails, and outdoor recreation facility construction.

Grants have funded a wide range or projects, including picnic tables, benches, playgrounds, lighting, maintenance and restroom facilities, skate parks, trails and bridges. This year there will be a focus on accessibility and inclusive design. Prospective sponsors must complete a pre-application form at the start of a grant cycle, however a commitment is not required at this stage.

Eligible sponsors will be invited to submit full applications. The 2026 grant cycle is now closed to new pre-applications. Pre-applications have been reviewed and invitations to submit full applications have been sent to eligible Sponsors.

Applications from eligible project sponsors that are received by Sept. 15, 2026, will be reviewed by a grant review committee made up of Parks and Recreation Advisory Council members, Department of Transportation Planning staff and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) staff.

The applications will be presented at the November meeting of the Parks and Recreation Council for funding recommendations which will go to the DNREC Secretary. The DNREC Secretary will approve and execute grant agreements during the first quarter of 2027. For more information, contact Michael Tholstrup , Planning Manager, at 302-739-9215.

Information and Resources Guidance for Park Projects Guidance for Trails Projects Completed and Approved ORPT Projects Related Topics: funding , grants , outdoors and recreation , parks , planning , recreation , trails Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy Division of Fish and Wildlife Division of Parks and Recreation Division of Watershed Stewardship Non-Discrimination Notice Built by the Government Information Center