Union County Launches 2025 Open Space Grant Programs Supporting SDGs

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced the 2025 Open Space Grant programs aimed at fostering youth recreation, community greening, and historic preservation. These initiatives align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Overview of the 2025 Grant Programs

The grant programs are available to all 21 municipalities within Union County and focus on enhancing outdoor recreation, promoting environmental sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage.

1. Kids Recreation Grant
   • Supports development and improvement of recreational facilities and programs for children.
   • Contributes to SDG 3 by encouraging healthy lifestyles and well-being among youth.
2. Greening Union County Grant
   • Funds tree planting and enhancement of green spaces.
   • Advances SDG 13 and SDG 15 by improving air quality and fostering resilient ecosystems.
3. Preserve Union County Grant
   • Provides matching funds to restore and protect historic buildings and sites.
   • Supports SDG 11 by maintaining cultural heritage and promoting sustainable communities.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon emphasized the County’s dedication to improving quality of life through these programs, stating that investments in parks, public spaces, and historic landmarks help build stronger, more connected communities. This approach supports SDG 11 by fostering inclusive and sustainable urban environments.

Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Open Space Trust Fund, highlighted the long-term benefits of supporting projects that encourage outdoor activity, green infrastructure, and historic preservation. These efforts contribute to SDG 3, SDG 13, and SDG 15 by promoting health, climate resilience, and biodiversity.

Application Details and Contact Information

• Applications for all three grant programs are open until August 30, 2025.
• Interested municipalities can access the application portal at https://ucnj.org/trust-fund-grants/.
• Funding is provided through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
• For further inquiries, contact Angelica Cedeno, Deputy Administrator, via email at acedeno@ucnj.org or phone at 908-558-2279.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Promoting outdoor recreation for children supports physical and mental health.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Enhancing parks, public spaces, and historic landmarks contributes to sustainable urban development and community well-being.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Greening initiatives such as planting trees contribute to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Preserving historic sites and enhancing green spaces supports biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Indirectly supported through community engagement and educational opportunities linked to historic preservation and outdoor activities.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and promotion of mental health and well-being, supported by recreational activities for youth.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, especially for children and vulnerable groups.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards by increasing green infrastructure.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, including historic and cultural sites.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, which can be supported through community and historic preservation programs.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of recreational facilities developed or improved for children
   • Implied by the Kids Recreation Grant supporting development and improvement of local recreational facilities.
2. Area of green spaces planted or enhanced
   • Implied by the Greening Union County Grant funding tree planting and green space enhancement.
3. Number of historic buildings or sites restored and protected
   • Implied by the Preserve Union County Grant providing matching funds for restoration and protection of historic sites.
4. Community engagement and participation rates
   • Implied through the emphasis on building stronger, more connected communities via these programs.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ucnj.org