ODNR awards more than $1.6M for outdoor recreation projects
Pickleball, playgrounds and picnic areas are just some of the fun new projects to receive funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program.
The $1.6 million in funding will be used to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans across the state.
“These projects support the fact that Ohio is a great place for people to live, work and play,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. “We’re excited to work with our local partners to broaden opportunities for outdoor recreation.”
ODNR approved 61 projects in 59 counties. Projects include development of new and renovated playgrounds, splashpads, sports courts including pickleball and basketball courts, trails and walking paths, dog parks, kayak launches, disc golf courses and other park amenities such as restrooms, lighting and parking.
“We make it our mission to encourage people to get outside and enjoy nature,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Projects like these help to show families and friends the outdoor adventures that can be found right in their own communities.”
Area projects include:
• Adams County: $9,548 for the Manchester Downtown Park to install a pergola, park furniture and fence.
• Brown County: $11,550 to Higginsport to renovate park shelters and picnic areas at Colonel Higgins Park; and $10,818 to Georgetown to replace an outdated basketball court at Kathryn Hanlon Park.
• Fayette County: $9,697 to Jeffersonville to upgrade the Jeffersonville Park to include a new basketball court.
• Ross County: $14,560 to Chillicothe to improve landscaping around the historic Armory at Yoctangee Park.
• Scioto County: $14,249 to Portsmouth to construct amphitheater seating near the existing stage at Riverfront Park.
The full list of projects can be found here and on ODNR’s NatureWorks webpage.
NatureWorks grants provide up to 75-percent reimbursement assistance to local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas. Projects are funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue, which was approved by Ohioans in November 1993. Additional legislation authorized the creation of the NatureWorks Grant Program.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.