North Carolina State Parks and its parent agency, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, announced today that the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program under the federal Department of the Interior, has awarded nearly $4 million total to nine local parks and recreation projects across the state.
"Local parks are a keystone in conserving green spaces and providing communities nearby with access to outdoor recreation," said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "Their work complements the conservation, education, and recreation we provide across our state parks and other DNCR sites — creating plenty of options for North Carolina's residents and visitors to enjoy."
North Carolina receives an annual allocation from LWCF, which is managed by DNCR through State Parks. LWCF supports park projects for the state, at the county and municipal level, and across tribal communities. Local governments can use the funding for land acquisition, new recreation facilities, or improvements to existing parks. This year, local communities could apply for up to $500,000 per project with a required dollar-for-dollar match.
The selected local projects are:
| Applicant | County | Project Name | Grant Amount |
| Town of Granite Quarry | Rowan | Granite Civic Park | $500,000 |
| Town of Hope Mills | Cumberland | Heritage Park Phase II | $500,000 |
| Town of Mars Hill | Madison | Bone Camp Creek Acquisition | $493,350 |
| Town of Matthews | Mecklenburg | Windsor Park | $276,150 |
| Town of Mayodan | Rockingham | Washington Mills Park | $500,000 |
| Town of Norwood | Stanly | Lake Tillery Park Acquisition | $305,000 |
| City of Rocky Mount | Edgecombe | Stith-Talbert Park | $500,000 |
| Watauga County | Watauga | Cove Creek Park | $494,000 |
| City of Wilmington | New Hanover | Greenfield Park Lions Bridge | $450,000 |
For the fiscal year 2026-2027 funding cycle, eligible communities may request up to $750,000 with the requirement of dollar-for-dollar matching funds. All proposed projects must demonstrate clear alignment with the goals and priorities outlined in the 2025-2030 N.C. Outdoor Recreation Plan. Applications are due Nov. 2.
About North Carolina State Parks
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all through conservation, education, and recreation, with a vision to connect generations with nature through exceptional outdoor experiences. The state parks system features 35 state parks, 26 state natural areas, four state recreation areas, seven state lakes, four Natural and Scenic Rivers, and 17 state trails — spanning over 265,000 acres of iconic landscapes and welcoming 18 million visitors annually.
In addition to overseeing the state parks system, the division administers federal and state parks and trails grants, including the state-funded Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Complete the Trails Program, and the Great Trails State Program, as well as the federally funded Recreational Trails Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The division is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.