Union County Awards Over $1.14 Million In Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Grants to Local Communities

To view a short video highlighting this year's grant recipients and the projects they will be bringing to their communities, please click here.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the 2025 grant awards under the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. This year, more than $1.14 million has been allocated to municipalities and local organizations through three countywide programs: the Kids Recreation Trust Fund, Greening Union County, and Preserve Union County.

These grants support the development of parks and recreation facilities, expand tree planting and environmental sustainability efforts, and help restore and protect the historic sites that shape Union County's cultural heritage.

"Each year, these grant programs strengthen the public spaces that bring our communities together," said Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. "From playground improvements and trail enhancements, to tree planting and historic preservation, these investments reflect our commitment to supporting families, improving quality of life, and maintaining the character and history that make Union County unique. We are proud to partner with our municipalities and organizations as they continue to build vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable neighborhoods for all residents."

This year's funding supports local projects in every corner of Union County, including:

• Kids Recreation Trust Fund: $784,800.00 awarded to municipalities to improve playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, walking paths, and other recreational facilities for children and families.
• Greening Union County: $100,000 awarded for the planting of trees in public spaces to support environmental health and beautification efforts.
• Preserve Union County: $298,902.00 awarded to historical societies, museums, and landmark stewards for restoration, preservation, and educational enhancements.

"As Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Committee, it is an honor to see the continued impact these grants have across our County," said Commissioner Sergio Granados. "These investments create opportunity - for children to play in safe and modern facilities, for families to enjoy cleaner and greener parks, and for our seniors to stay active and connected in the communities they helped build. They also ensure the stories and history that define Union County are preserved for future generations. Together, we are building communities that are healthier, more resilient, and more vibrant."

In his remarks on October 23^rd's Union County Board of County Commissioner's meeting, Commissioner Granados also recognized the work of his fellow committee members Commissioners Bette Jane Kowalski, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, and Rebecca Williams, as well as the Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, led by Director Victoria Durbin-Drake, Angelica Cedeño and Victoria Rendon, for their leadership and oversight in bringing this year's funding forward.

2025 Grant Awards Include:

Kids Recreation Trust Fund

• Berkeley Heights - $35,000
• Clark - $12,000
• Cranford - $65,000
• Elizabeth - $155,000
• Fanwood - $2,800
• Garwood - $35,000
• Kenilworth - $60,000
• Linden - $75,000
• Mountainside - $40,000
• New Providence - $20,000
• Rahway - $70,000
• Roselle - $30,000
• Scotch Plains - $50,000
• Springfield - $40,000
• Union - $50,000
• Westfield - $45,000

Greening Union County

• Berkeley Heights - $3,400
• Clark - $4,000
• Cranford - $10,000
• Elizabeth - $25,000
• Garwood - $4,000
• Kenilworth - $4,000
• New Providence - $3,000
• Plainfield - $12,000
• Rahway - $6,000
• Roselle Park - $8,000
• Scotch Plains - $5,000
• Springfield - $8,000
• Westfield - $7,600

Preserve Union County

• Berkeley Heights -$20,000
• Clark - $15,000
• Cranford Historical Society - $9,902
• Fanwood - $15,000
• Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club - $40,000
• Kenilworth Historical Society - $40,000
• Plainfield-Jerusalem Lodge No. 26 - $40,000
• Rahway - Merchant & Drovers Tavern Museum - $42,500
• Scotch Plains - $30,000
• The Fortnightly Club of Summit - $30,000
• Union Township Historical Society - $1,500
• Liberty Hall Museum (Union) - $15,000

Funding for these programs is provided through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. A complete breakdown of award allocations by municipality and organization is available on https://ucnj.org/trust-fund-grants/.

For more information, please contact Angelica Cedeno, Deputy Administrator, at [email protected] or call 908-558-2279.