Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 28, 2026
Contact: Emi Endo, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-8442, emi.endo@dcr.virginia.gov
Land and Water Conservation Fund grants awarded for 10 Virginia projects
Selected projects include creating new parks in Danville and Isle of Wight
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has awarded $8.6 million in grants to 10 parks and outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program, or LWCF, is a 50-50% matching reimbursement program for acquiring, developing and rehabilitating park areas.
Since 1965, more than $150 million has been invested in more than 430 projects in Virginia, such as new public parks and improved amenities. All projects must be maintained and kept open as public outdoor recreation areas in perpetuity.
Selected projects:
Alexandria
John Ewald Park, City of Alexandria | $2 million
To renovate a basketball court, field, and lighting; redevelop a former parking lot into a flexible sports court; and build a second multi-use court and parkour fitness court. New amenities include picnic tables and playground equipment.
Broadway
Broadway Community Park Pool, Town of Broadway | $310,747.90
To rehabilitate a maintenance building and renovate the pool lining and skimmers.
Campbell
Long Mountain Park, Campbell County | $150,000
To install a restroom facility.
Charlottesville
Benjamin Tonsler Park, City of Charlottesville | $149,500
To install a fitness court.
Danville
Cedarbrook Park, City of Danville | $715,847.87
To create Cedarbrook Park on 11.25 acres with amenities including a multi-use sports field, playground, dog park, trails, picnic shelter, restroom facility, parking lot, fixed grill, benches, signage and landscaping.
Gloucester
Gloucester Point Beach Park, Gloucester County | $714,787.50
To replace a pavilion and renovate a restroom facility and build accessible ramps and install lighting.
Isle of Wight
Henry H. Bradby Park, Isle of Wight County | $956,255.90
To create Henry H. Bradby Park on 51.7 acres. Amenities will include a basketball court, playground, picnic pavilion, maintenance shed, parking lot with accessible spaces and a native soil nature trail.
Prince William
Sinclair Mill, Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation | $1,858,455.45
To develop Sinclair Mill amenities including an accessible hand carry boat launch, fishing platform, accessible restroom, picnic tables, trails, road and parking lot with accessible spaces. The project includes 3 acres of reforestation and a native meadow planting, with an overall conservation of 328.3 acres.
Rappahannock
Rappahannock County Recreation Facilities Authority| $250,000
To demolish an aged wooden playground, rehabilitate soil, install new play equipment and shaded seating area, and construct an accessible pathway and surface.
Wytheville
Withers, Town of Wytheville | $1,500,000
To install a 6,500-square-foot splash pad, construct restrooms, install seating, place shade areas and improve landscaping.
State agencies, cities, counties, park authorities and federally or state-recognized Indian tribes were eligible to compete for funding.
Information on future LWCF grant rounds will be available at dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/grants.
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About Planning and Recreation ResourcesThe Division of Planning and Recreation Resources at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation provides comprehensive outdoor recreation planning and builds facilities within state parks. The division manages grant programs and provides technical expertise related to open space use and access, such as statewide trails, scenic rivers and its statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.
