The 2023 Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program, as directed by the York County Commissioners, supports a variety of projects to protect open space, improve resource protection, acquire parks or natural lands and many other opportunities.

For example, municipalities and park authorities may apply for a grant to convert underutilized tennis or basketball court space into pickleball courts to keep up with the demand of the sport, which is growing in popularity. Another use of a grant is to make sure everyone can access outdoor spaces through park improvements to align with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Since the start of the program in 2020, the York County Commissioners have dedicated funding to land preservation, with a benchmark goal of protecting 2,500 acres of open space each year. Since its launch, the program's efforts have assisted municipalities and nonprofit organizations in preserving and improving open space throughout York County.

Partners of the Open Space and Land Preservation Committee, in addition to York County and the York County Planning Commission, include the York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, the Farm and Natural Lands Trust of York County, the York County Conservation District, the York County Parks Department and other community partners with a mission for open space protection.

The Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program funds have been awarded to a variety of organizations since the program launched in 2020. In 2022, Marcellus Shale Legacy funds were also added to this program to ensure the distribution of funds to the appropriate recipients as determined by the requirements of Pennsylvania Act 13 of 2012.

Last year, Open Space and Land Preservation Grants were awarded to fund projects such as parkland acquisition in Franklin Township by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy at Camp Tuckahoe; the development of a Master Site Plan for Camp Security in Springettsbury Township; and an access study of the Codorus Creek in Seven Valleys Borough by Seven Valleys Borough/Partnership for Economic Development.

Open Space and Land Preservation funds can assist with acquisition of parklands or natural lands, and planning activities related to open space protection. This is also an opportunity to receive matching funds to leverage other grants for parkland acquisition or related planning activities.

Eligible applicants include any York County municipality, the York County Parks Department and nonprofit organizations with a 501(c) status that have a focus on natural resource protection land preservation, parks/recreation or conservation and have been established for at least five years. There is a 50% match requirement and funding award caps range to include up to $150,000 for land acquisitions and up to $25,000 for planning projects.

In 2022, Marcellus Shale Legacy funds were used to support programs including a community gardens project by the Glen Rock Recreation Board, ADA compliant kayak and canoe launch by Wrightsville Borough and park improvements involving toddler equipment, safety mats, fencing and an ADA swing by Manheim Township.

Marcellus Shale Legacy funds can assist with planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, natural areas, community conservation and beautification projects, community and heritage parks and water resource management. Funds may also be used to acquire lands for recreational or conservation purposes, and for land damaged or prone to drainage by storms or flooding.

Eligible applicants for Marcellus Shale funding include any municipality in York County, any nonprofit organization with a 501(c) status, York County departments and related county agencies and any school or school district in York County. There is no match requirement for Marcellus Shale funds; the grant maximum is $40,000.

The current application round for both Open Space and Land Preservation Funds and Marcellus Shale Legacy Funds is open until Saturday, Sept. 30. For additional information and to register to receive the application, visit http://www.yorkopenspace.org. Those who would like to request the recording of the virtual grants workshop held on Aug. 16 may email yorkopenspace@ycpc.org.