Local projects get state Nature Works dollars

COLUMBUS —The state released nearly $1.8 million for improvements at public parks, including a number of local projects.

The Controlling Board OK’d the expenditures as part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Nature Works Local Park Grants program, which has been providing funding for projects since 1995. A total of 164 applications, with requests totaling about $4.75 million, were submitted for the 14th round of funding.

Grants are provided for up to 75 percent of project costs and can be used for the acquisition, development or rehabilitation of public park and recreation areas, according to ODNR.

Local projects receiving funding are:

• Village of Wellsville in Columbiana County will receive $8,993 to develop a sidewalk and benches at Broadway Park.

• Village of Lisbon in Columbiana County will receive $5,773 to develop a playground and renovate the floor of a shelter at Willow Grove Park.

• Beaver Township in Mahoning County will receive $6,915 to develop a playground at Woodworth Park.

• Austintown Township in Mahoning County will receive $20,000 to develop a baseball field at Township Park.

• Village of Lordstown in Trumbull County will receive $24,204 to developa gazebo at Central Park.