Press Release
February 27, 2025
New York State Parks Announces Funding Available for Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program
Program supports Governor Hochul's Unplug and
Play strategy to encourage outdoor recreation
The New York State Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will begin accepting grant
applications for the "Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program"
for the 2025 season February 27. The program provides funding to public and
non-public schools, municipalities, libraries and eligible not-for-profits that
are physically located in a New York school district that receives Title 1
funding. The program reimburses eligible transportation costs for New York
school children (pre-K through grade 12) to travel to state and national parks,
historic sites and New York State owned public lands.
"We're excited to offer this
program to help make field trips more affordable for schools and programs that
serve our youth," said
Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation. "Children thrive when they spend time in
parks, nature and historic places – and the Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant
Program helps youth to
discover and appreciate the exceptional parks and public lands in their home
state."
Each grant provides
reimbursement for eligible transportation costs, including parking and tolls.
Costs such as lodging, food, lessons, and equipment are not eligible.
Applicants must prequalify in the Statewide Financial System and obtain a
Vendor ID number before submitting an application. Applications must be
submitted six weeks before the field trip is planned to occur, and no earlier
than six months prior to the field trip. Applications will be reviewed on a
rolling basis in the order they are received, while funding is available. For
more information on the application process, visit the Connect
Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program webpage.
The Connect Kids to Parks Field
Trip Grant Program builds on Governor Hochul's efforts to encourage outdoor
recreation. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 Executive Budget proposes $3.5 million for
the program, an increase of $500,000 from the current year. Additionally, the
Governor's new Unplug
and Play initiative earmarks $100 million for construction and
renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure
for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS), $67.5 million for the Places for
Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative helping New
York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds;
and an additional $50 million for the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY
SWIMS) initiative supporting municipalities in the renovation and construction
of swimming facilities.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites,
recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88
million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation
areas, visit parks.ny.gov,
download the free NY
State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us
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the OPRHP
Blog or via the OPRHP
Newsroom.