The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has recommended 10 state projects for more than $3.5 million in grant funding, the department announced last week.
The grant money, which is pending final approval from the National Park Service, is part of a federal grant-matching program from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
“I’m delighted that another ten projects could be supported by the LCWF,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said in a statement last week. “The assistance provided by this program will help make outdoor spaces safer and more accessible for all Ohioans.”
The grants includes $500,000 each for projects in Cuyahoga, Greene and Miami counties and ranges from projects to acquire land for a new public park facility to park redevelopment. The funding also includes grants for projects to create a new playground, replace park bathrooms and develop new trails.
The recommended funding totals $3,570,594 and has a maximum recommendation of $500,000.
The LWCF annually provides up to 50 percent reimbursement for state and local governments to assist in the creation and redevelopment of outdoor recreational areas.
“These projects will give more Ohioans a chance to enjoy the outdoors,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement last week. “Improving parks, playgrounds, trails, and outdoor spaces will encourage people to get out and see what their own communities have to offer.”
The ODNR’s recommendation follows the approval of more than $6.3 million in Clean Ohio Trails Fund grants at the beginning of the month. These grants will be used to build and improve hiking trails across the state.
Read a full breakdown of the recommendations for LWCF funding here.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Ohio Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair.
Photo “Mike DeWine” by Vivien McClain Photography and “Ohio Department of Natural Resources” by Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
