By 1808Delaware
Across Ohio, local parks are about to change in ways families will notice right away. New splash pads. Updated courts. Better restrooms. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has approved more than $2.9 million through its NatureWorks grant program, supporting 76 projects in 64 counties.
One of those projects is headed to Delaware.
Unity Park Adds a Splash Pad and Restrooms
The City of Delaware will receive $51,657 to construct a new splash pad and restroom facility at Unity Park. This is the kind of improvement that quietly reshapes how a park is used. A splash pad extends the life of a visit on hot days, especially for families with young children. Adding restrooms alongside it is not a small detail. It’s what turns a short stop into a place people can actually linger.
Unity Park already plays an important role as a neighborhood green space. This project makes it more functional, more inclusive, and more comfortable for a wider range of users.
What NatureWorks Is Funding Across Ohio
The Delaware project is part of a broader investment in outdoor recreation statewide. NatureWorks funding this year will support:
• New and renovated playgrounds
• Splash pads
• Basketball and pickleball courts
• Trails and walking paths
• Pavilions and outdoor exercise equipment
• Park essentials like restrooms, lighting, and parking
Some communities are expanding their park systems. Others are focusing on upgrades that respond to how people actually use these spaces today. That flexibility is a strength of the program.
Why the State Is Investing in Local Parks
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the role parks play as everyday gathering places.
“We take pride in our parks because they are an important central gathering place in our local communities,” DeWine said. “We hope the projects funded by these grants will encourage more Ohioans to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.”
ODNR Director Mary Mertz focused on proximity and access.
“We want Ohioans to be able to discover an amazing park in their own backyard,” Mertz said. “These grants allow communities to grow their love of nature and exploration.”
The message is straightforward. Parks work best when they are close, welcoming, and easy to use.
How the NatureWorks Program Works
NatureWorks grants provide up to 75 percent reimbursement for eligible park projects undertaken by local governments. That includes cities, villages, townships, counties, and park districts.
Funding comes from the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue, originally approved by voters in 1993, along with subsequent legislation that created the NatureWorks program. The reimbursement model requires local commitment while making projects feasible for communities that might otherwise have to wait years.
Photo: Creative Commons License
