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Metro East Park and Recreation District proudly serves Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois.

Our Mission

"Metro East Park and Recreation District shall have as its primary duty the development, operation, and maintenance of a public system of interconnecting parks and trails throughout the counties comprising the district."

The Past

The Past

MEPRD is proud to have partnered with so many great organizations over the years, in turn helping to accomplish numerous regional projects that have improved the quality of life for everyone in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL.

The Present

The Present

Grant programs allow MEPRD to partner with other public entities for the purposes of improving parks, building trails, and expanding recreational opportunities for public enjoyment throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois.

The Future

The Future

After working closely with the citizens of Madison and St. Clair Counties and numerous public agencies, MEPRD released the District's current Long Range Development Plan: Download it here 

Funding Opportunities

MEPRD is offering the following grant opportunities for its Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Cycle. These programs allow MEPRD to partner with other public entities for the purpose of improving parks, building trails, and expanding recreational opportunities throughout Madison & St. Clair Counties in Illinois.

FY27 Park and Trail Grant ($5,000,000.00 Remaining)*

0

FY27 Community Planning Grant ($400,000.00 Remaining)*

0

FY27 Event Sponsorship ($30,000.00 Remaining)*

0

FY27 Priority Paths Grant ($3,000,000.00 Remaining)*

0

* Remaining funds are subject to change at any time. (Updated: 7/15/2026)

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By the Numbers

as of July 2026


268

Completed Projects

48

Ongoing Projects

316

Total Projects

69

Unique Project Partners

Latest News & Press Releases

MEPRD Announces FY27 Grant Cycle, Opening More Than $8.4M for Parks, Trails & Recreation

 eNewsletter

The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) today announced the opening of its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Grant Cycle, making more than $8.4 million available to support local parks, trails, recreation facilities, planning...

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MEPRD Unveils FY26 Grant Cycle, Offering $6.93M for Local Parks, Trails, and Regional Connections

 Press Release

The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) is pleased to announce the launch of its Fiscal Year 2027 grant cycle, making a total of $6.93 million available to support...

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MEPRD Grant Funding Leverages $10.65M in Park, Trail Projects Across Madison and St. Clair Counties

 Press Release

The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its FY 2025 Park and Trail...

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