The City of Knoxville's Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for its 2010/11 Challenge Grant Program, which offers grants to nonprofit projects associated with public parks or recreation facilities within the city limits. A total of $25,000 is available this year to community groups, homeowner associations, schools, Scout troops and other organizations. The city will reimburse 50 percent of the cost of a single project, up to $2,500.Previously, the grants have been used for playground equipment, water fountains, benches and landscaping.Applications and grant parameters are available at
www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation or at 865-215-2017. The deadline for applications is Sept. 15.