Ohio Communities to Receive More Than $2.6 Million for Outdoor Recreation Projects

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has recommended that six local communities receive a combined $2.6 million in funding to improve and increase outdoor recreation opportunities.  The money is provided through federal matching grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“Improvements at our parks, playgrounds, and trails encourage people to get out and enjoy their neighborhoods,” Governor Mike DeWine said.  “These grants will help Ohio communities give their citizens more opportunities to safely enjoy the great outdoors.”

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 excited to see even more projects being supported by the LCWF,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.  “Parks, pools, and playgrounds only add to the health and happiness of Ohio communities and we are thrilled to be a part of that.”

Projects recommended for funding include:

  • Auglaize County
    • Minster – $500,000 for replacement of an existing playground and development of a new splash pad
  • Cuyahoga County
    • Cleveland Metroparks – $500,000 to build a water-based recreation Program Center on Garfield Pond
  • Greene County
    • Beavercreek – $235,000 to acquire land for a new public park
  • Lorain County
    • Lorain – $500,000 for the renovation of a swimming pool and other amenities
  • Miami County
    • Village of Covington – $500,000 for site improvements and to develop and new splashpad and pavilion at Schoolhouse Park
  • Summit County
    • Summit Metro Parks – $450,000 for upgrades including a river overlook with a boat launch, boat storage, and a new paved parking lot at Valley View Riverfront.

The complete list of projects recommended by ODNR to receive the 2022 Land and Water Conservation Fund can be found here.  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 Wednesday, June 1. Awarded projects will be announced this autumn.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Information courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Real Estate