By 1808Delaware; Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has recommended projects from 10 local communities for more than $3.5 million in grant funding to improve and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation. The money is provided through federal matching grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
“These projects will give more Ohioans a chance to enjoy the outdoors,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said. “Improving parks, playgrounds, trails, and outdoor spaces will encourage people to get out and see what their own communities have to offer.”
Recommended projects include one from Delaware County (see below).
ODNR administers the federal LWCF grant program for Ohio. Annually, the LWCF provides up to 50% reimbursement assistance for state and local government subdivisions, such as villages and cities, for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of outdoor recreational areas. The federal grant program is supported by offshore oil lease revenues and other non-tax sources.
“I’m delighted that another ten projects could be supported by the LCWF,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “The assistance provided by this program will help make outdoor spaces safer and more accessible for all Ohioans.”
Projects recommended for funding include:
$500,000 for development of a paddlecraft beach and ADA accessible trails in Euclid in Cuyahoga County.
$500,000 to acquire land for a new public park in Beavercreek in Greene County.
$362,500 for development of a loop trail, four pickleball courts, and a new restroom facility at West Park in Elyria in Lorain County.
Locally, a grant for $375,000 to Preservation Parks of Delaware County has been recommended for an expansion of Deer Haven Park. The money would fund the acquisition of 30 acres.
These funds are pending final approval by the National Park Service.
Many local parks, trails, pools, and other outdoor recreation facilities that Ohioans enjoy today were made possible through the federal program, which has awarded more than $165 million to projects in Ohio since its inception in 1965. To learn more about the LWCF, click here.
NatureWorks is a similar grant program for outdoor recreation facilities in parks, which is funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue. NatureWorks applications will be accepted until Tuesday, June 1. Awarded projects will be announced this autumn.
