The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced on June 1 the launch of the 2026 Open Space Grant programs, including the Kids Recreation Grant and the Greening Grant. These grants are available to all 21 municipalities in Union County and aim to support outdoor recreation, environmental sustainability, and community enhancement initiatives.
“Programs like these help create the kinds of spaces that bring people together and improve everyday life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Whether it is upgrading a playground, adding trees to a neighborhood, or improving shared public spaces, these grants help municipalities continue building stronger and healthier communities across Union County.”
The two grant programs include the Kids Recreation Grant, which supports development and improvement of local recreational facilities and programs benefiting children, and the Greening Grant, which provides funding for municipalities to plant trees and enhance green spaces. The county states that these efforts contribute to cleaner air and healthier communities.
“Local officials know what their communities need most, and these grants help turn those ideas into real projects,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “Over the years, we’ve seen municipalities use this funding to create welcoming recreational areas, expand tree coverage, and improve public spaces in ways that residents can immediately see and enjoy.”
Applications for both grant programs are now open, with a submission deadline of August 3. Interested parties can learn more or access application materials by visiting ucnj.org/trust-fund-grants/.
Funding is provided through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. For additional information about eligibility or requirements for either program, contact Angelica Cedeno at acedeno@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2279.
