MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A major investment in outdoor recreation, community wellness, and environmental stewardship is moving forward in one of New Jersey’s most celebrated park systems. Morris County has officially opened the 11th annual Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program application cycle, making more than $1 million in funding available to the county’s 39 municipalities to build, expand, and enhance recreational trails across the region.
The announcement reinforces Morris County’s long-standing commitment to open space preservation, park development, and public access to nature — values that continue to shape the county’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation in New Jersey.
With trail use steadily increasing and municipalities seeking new opportunities to connect residents to natural landscapes, the 2026 funding cycle represents another major step forward in expanding the county’s growing network of recreational pathways.
A Continued Commitment to Open Space and Outdoor Access in Morris County
Since the program’s launch in 2016, Morris County has awarded more than $7.5 million in funding to support trail construction and enhancement projects. That investment has helped create and improve a vast network of recreational corridors throughout preserved lands, municipal parks, and open space areas across the county.
The program was made possible after Morris County voters overwhelmingly approved dedicating a portion of the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund to recreational trail development. The initiative has since become a cornerstone of the county’s strategy to protect natural resources while enhancing quality of life for residents.
County officials emphasize that access to nature remains central to Morris County’s identity and future.
Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the trail program, highlighted the county’s ongoing investment in park infrastructure and outdoor accessibility, noting that Morris County’s extensive trail system plays a vital role in supporting recreation, environmental education, and community engagement.
The county currently maintains more than 25 miles of trails across preserved lands and parks, offering residents opportunities for hiking, biking, nature observation, and year-round outdoor activity. As participation continues to grow, county leaders are expanding and modernizing the network to meet increasing demand.
Program Impact: Millions Invested, Miles of Trails Created
The Trail Construction Grant Program has demonstrated measurable success since its inception. Over the past decade:
• 69 grants have been awarded
• Approximately $7.7 million in funding has been distributed
• Projects supported will create nearly 39 miles of new or enhanced trails
• 32 Morris County municipalities have participated
The initiative provides both design and construction funding, allowing municipalities to plan trail projects strategically while ensuring long-term sustainability and accessibility.
According to Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee Chair Betty Cass-Schmidt, most municipalities begin by applying for a design grant to develop engineering plans, evaluate site conditions, identify potential challenges, and estimate project costs before pursuing full construction funding.
This structured approach helps ensure that trail projects are carefully planned, environmentally responsible, and built to serve communities for decades.
What the 2026 Trail Construction Grant Program Supports
The grant program focuses on expanding and improving public trail infrastructure throughout Morris County, supporting projects that promote accessibility, connectivity, and recreational diversity.
Eligible projects include:
• Construction of new trails of various types, including single-use and shared-use trails
• Motorized and non-motorized trail development
• Enhancements to existing trails
• Improvements to trail design or surface type
• Upgrades to accommodate increased public use
• ADA accessibility improvements
The program aims to strengthen connections between neighborhoods, parks, preserved lands, and community resources while ensuring safe and inclusive outdoor experiences.
To qualify for funding, trail projects must be located in Morris County and meet specific land ownership and access requirements. Eligible project locations include municipal-owned land, permanently preserved public parkland, or private land with dedicated easements for public recreational use.
The program also allows projects on county-owned land when municipalities hold a license agreement for use.
Updated Program Rules for 2026
On January 7, 2026, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved updates to the program’s rules and regulations, specifically clarifying eligible and non-eligible trail amenities.
The revised guidelines provide municipalities with clearer direction on project design, construction standards, and allowable funding uses. Updated rules, procedures, and application materials have been released to reflect these changes.
Municipalities must submit separate applications for each funding category, and participation requires full municipal control of land and easements associated with proposed trail projects.
Funding Structure and Requirements
The Trail Construction Grant Program operates on a reimbursement basis and requires municipal investment in every project.
Key funding details include:
• Minimum grant amount: $10,000
• Maximum award: No more than 60 percent of available funds per cycle, unless waived for regionally significant projects
• Municipal match requirement: 20 percent of total project costs
• One application permitted per municipality per funding cycle
The structure encourages local commitment while ensuring funding reaches multiple communities across Morris County.
Certain expenses are not eligible for funding, including land acquisition, road construction, lighting installations, running tracks, law enforcement activities, and promotional materials.
Application Timeline and Key Deadlines
Municipalities seeking funding must complete several steps during the 2026 application process:
• Schedule and attend a pre-application meeting by April 15, 2026
• Register for and attend the March 24 application workshop
• Submit a letter of intent by noon May 1, 2026
• Submit a completed application by noon June 19, 2026
An application workshop will be held virtually from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, offering detailed guidance on program requirements and the application process.
Grant awards are expected to be announced before the end of the year.
Strengthening Morris County’s Expansive Park and Trail Network
The Trail Construction Grant Program supports Morris County’s broader vision for preserving open space and expanding recreational opportunities throughout the region. The county is home to some of New Jersey’s most diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, rolling hills, and historic parklands that attract residents and visitors year-round.
Through continued investment in trail infrastructure, Morris County is improving access to preserved environments while promoting physical activity, sustainable transportation, and environmental awareness.
The initiative complements the county’s extensive park system, which provides opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation across a network of natural destinations that define the region’s character.
The expansion of shared-use and ADA-accessible trails also supports inclusive recreation, ensuring residents of all ages and abilities can experience Morris County’s natural beauty.
Why Trail Development Matters for New Jersey Communities
Recreational trails serve as critical public assets that extend beyond leisure and outdoor activity. They support community health, environmental preservation, tourism, and economic development while strengthening connections between neighborhoods and natural resources.
Trail systems help reduce environmental impact by promoting non-motorized transportation, protect sensitive habitats through managed access, and create spaces where communities can gather and engage with nature.
In Morris County, where open space preservation remains a central priority, continued trail development reinforces long-term sustainability goals while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Expanding Opportunities for Local Municipalities
For Morris County’s municipalities, the Trail Construction Grant Program offers a unique opportunity to advance local infrastructure projects that may otherwise be financially challenging. The program’s design and construction funding model enables communities to plan thoughtfully, improve public spaces, and strengthen connections to regional trail systems.
The strong participation rate among municipalities demonstrates the program’s value and impact, helping to create a unified network of recreational spaces that benefit the entire county.
Looking Ahead: A Growing Future for Morris County Trails
As Morris County continues to invest in trail development and park enhancements, the 2026 Trail Construction Grant Program represents another milestone in the county’s evolving outdoor recreation strategy.
With increased funding, updated program guidelines, and growing public interest in outdoor access, the initiative is positioned to further expand Morris County’s reputation as one of New Jersey’s leading destinations for nature, recreation, and open space preservation.
Municipal leaders, planners, and community stakeholders now have an opportunity to help shape the next generation of recreational trails — strengthening connections between people, parks, and the natural landscapes that define Morris County.
