City Parks and Open Space (15% of REAP funds) - This money is available to cities through competitive grants. Three (3) city size categories and grant amount ceilings have been established to assure grants are distributed to all sizes of cities.
REAP funds (derived from gaming revenues) are appropriated by the Iowa Legislature and signed into law by the Governor. City Park and Open Space grant applications are due annually on August 15th at 4:30 pm. The application materials are available at the bottom of this page.
These grants are 100%, so local matching funds are not required. This grant program is very competitive. Funds are not available for single or multipurpose athletic fields, baseball or softball diamonds, tennis courts, golf courses, and other organized sport facilities. Swimming pools and playground equipment are also ineligible. Parkland expansion and multi-purpose recreation developments are typical projects funded under this REAP program. The DNR administers the city grant program. City officials representing the Iowa Park and Recreation Association and League of Cities select which projects receive funding.
Projects must be completed within two years of the grant award. 90% of funds can be requested at the time a grant agreement is signed and the remaining 10% will be awarded upon successful completion of the project.