By 1808Delaware
The Delaware Public Health District’s (DPHD) Community Health Division announced the funding award winners for the 2024 Healthy Communities Micro Grant program today. This year, the program received twelve project proposals from various communities and organizations across Delaware County. These projects aim to foster healthy eating and active living, aligning with DPHD’s mission to promote public health and wellness.
Exceeding Expectations and Tough Choices
Josie Bonnette, DPHD Community Health Specialist, highlighted the competitive nature of this year’s submissions. “This year’s opportunity exceeded expectations, with substantial requests for funding that were far beyond the $25,000 in available funds,” Bonnette remarked. She emphasized the careful deliberation required by the volunteer review team and the DPHD Community Health Division in selecting the awarded projects.
2024 Funded Projects
The micro grant program awarded funds to nine projects that promise to enhance community health and wellness. Here’s a breakdown of the winning projects:
Berkshire Township: “QR F.I.T” Trail System
This innovative project involves creating a trail system equipped with QR codes. These codes will provide users with fitness tips and health information, encouraging physical activity in a tech-savvy manner.
Boardman Arts Park: Outdoor Drinking Fountain
The installation of an outdoor drinking fountain aims to promote hydration and make the park more user-friendly, encouraging more frequent visits and longer stays.
Grace Clinic of Delaware: Community Garden
Grace Clinic’s community garden project will provide fresh produce to local residents, enhancing access to healthy foods and promoting gardening as a physical activity.
Kingston Township: Community Park Amenities
Kingston Township plans to enhance its community park by adding new amenities that encourage physical activity and community gatherings.
Ohio State Parks Foundation: Accessible Kayak Launch at Alum Creek State Park
This project will install an accessible kayak launch, making water sports more inclusive for people with disabilities and encouraging outdoor activities.
Ostrander Youth Athletic Association: Phase 2 Walking Trail
The second phase of Ostrander’s walking trail project will expand the existing trail, providing more opportunities for residents to engage in physical activity.
Oxford Township: Pet Waste Stations
By installing pet waste stations, Oxford Township aims to keep their parks cleaner and more inviting, promoting walking and outdoor activities among pet owners.
Preservation Parks of Delaware County: FLEX Trail Updates
This project involves updating the FLEX Trail, enhancing safety and usability, which will encourage more residents to use the trail for exercise.
Recreation Unlimited Foundation: Universal Adaptive Paddling Seats for Canoes
The installation of universal adaptive paddling seats will make canoeing accessible to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusive physical activity.
Advancing Health Equity and Community Engagement
The primary goal of the micro grant program is to increase health equity by improving access to healthy foods and promoting physical activity. Through collaboration, partnerships, and community engagement, the program aims to prevent and manage chronic diseases. This initiative also supports The Partnership for a Healthy Delaware County’s mission by implementing the 2023-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and future Delaware County CHIP cycles.
Get Involved
For more information about the Healthy Communities Micro Grant program, or to get involved with The Partnership for a Healthy Delaware County and the CHIP, please contact Josie Bonnette at [email protected].
Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay
