Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants
Eligibility:
Federal funding available for LWCF grants is a maximum of $500,000 per project, with a minimum 50% match. Grants can be awarded to any local government, city, county or public school.
Eligible projects must be open to the public at reasonable times. Project examples include but are not limited to:
- Playgrounds
- Ball fields
- Pools and water parks
- Archery and shooting ranges
- Camping facilities
- Picnic areas
- Boating and fishing facilities
- Trails
- Passive areas
Grant selection Process:
The application period for 2026 LWCF Grants will is now OPEN. Review the Open Project Selection Process before filling out an application. Then complete an electronic application by answering each question as fully as possible without exceeding the space allocated for the question. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. For the final application packet, mail two hard copies of the application plus all supporting documents listed in the application.
Application packets must be postmarked on or before Nov. 14, 2025. Mail application packets to Missouri State Parks, Grants Management, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176, or 1659 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
2026 Open Project Selection Process (application instructions)
Grant Application Workshops:
The LWCF application workshops are scheduled for Sept. 2-4, 2025. Each workshop will be held virtually via Webex.
The general information LWCF application workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m. This workshop will provide basic information about the LWCF grant and the current grant round. The other four workshops will focus on how to fill out the different sections of the 2026 LWCF grant application.
To register for a workshop, go to the Grant Workshops webpage and fill out a registration form for each workshop you want to attend.
How to administer my LWCF Project:
To assist grant recipients with administering their grants, an administrative guide has been provided that outlines the process for submitting reimbursement requests and status reports and the process for closing out a completed project.
Post-completion requirements include installing LWCF project signs, making regular inspections and maintaining all ADA requirements. Signs can be ordered by calling Missouri Vocational Enterprises at 573-751-6663 or 800-392-8486.
Past Administration Guides
2022 LWCF Project Administration Guide
2021 LWCF Project Administration Guide
Sample Projects:
The City of Clinton recently shared an amazing time-lapse video showing the construction of its Kids’ World Playground project, funded by LWCF.
This is just one example of how Missouri State Parks is helping to provide outstanding recreational opportunities to Missouri citizens. Additional projects are listed below.'
FY2024 Funded Grants:
| Grant Recipient | Grant Project | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Benton | Benton City Park Project | $208,575 |
| City of El Dorado Springs | Virginia Ryan Strain Municipal Pool | $500,000 |
| City of Greenwood | Hitt Park Playground Replacement Project | $427,875 |
| City of Kansas City | Swope Park ORLP Grant | $4,250,000 |
| City of Kennett | Kennett Indian Park Baseball Lighting Project | $414,000 |
| City of Kimberling City | Kimberling City Hilltop Park Phase 1 | $263,296 |
| City of Lathrop | Lathrop City Park Bandstand Phase 2 | $235,047 |
| City of Meta | Meta Elementary Memorial Park | $103,699 |
| City of New Haven | John Colter Memorial Park Playground | $88,222 |
| City of Pacific | Jeffrey White Memorial Skatepark | $240,572 |
| City of Stewartsville | City of Stewartsville Park Improvements | $154,150 |
| City of Wright City | Wright City Skatepark Project Phase II | $490,000 |
| Jackson County Parks + Rec | Blue River Parkway Enhancement Project Phase I | $233,100 |
FY2023 Funded Grants:
| Grant Recipient | Grant Project | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Bloomfield | Bloomfield City Park Project | $98,330 |
| City of Hermann | Hermann Ball Field Rehabilitation Project | $160,644 |
| City of Kearney | Hall Park Development | $500,000 |
| City of Monroe City | North Park Recreation Area | $206,720 |
| City of Perryville | Lucas & Friends Backyard Adventure Phase II | $123,458 |
| City of Rolla | Ber Jaun Sports Complex | $500,000 |
| City of St. James | St James Ballfield Netting Improvements | $83,758 |
| City of Seymour | Seymour South Park Addition | $119,548 |
| Hamilton R-II School District | Hamilton Community Track | $500,000 |
FY2022 Funded Grants:
| Grant Recipient | Grant Project | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia Valley R-II School District | Elementary Playground Accessibility & Improvements | $313,250 |
| Cape Girardeau County | North & South Park Improvements | $470,000 |
| City of Duquesne | Duquesne Memorial Park Phase II | $182,300 |
| City of Moberly | Moberly Kiwanis Park | $476,110 |
| City of Raytown | 53rd St Property Redevelopment | $500,000 |
| City of Riverside | Riverside Municipal Pool & Splashground | $500,000 |
| City of Weston Park Board | Orchard Hill Park | $80,3000 |
| County of Washington | Washington County Towne Park Square | $261,215 |
| Manchester Parks, Recreation & Arts Dept. | Paul A. Schroeder Park Playground Project | $500,000 |
| St. Louis County Parks & Recreation Dept. | Kinloch Park Renovation | $500,000 |