Valley to get more than $1.6M for park fixups

August 10, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By MARC KOVAC

COLUMBUS

The State Controlling Board has signed off on more than $1.6 million in park-improvements funding, including seven Mahoning Valley projects.

The funds are coming from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ NatureWorks Local Parks program, which was created by lawmakers about 15 years ago, with requirements that available funds be divided among Ohio’s 88 counties.

Some 77 projects were selected for grants during this funding round, including:

$28,095 to renovate tennis courts at the Austintown Township Park.

$23,844 to install a gazebo and picnic/sitting area at Jackson Park in Jackson Township.

$7,097 to develop a natural playground at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm.

$7,050 to repair deteriorating concrete at the East Palestine Municipal Pool.

$6,308 to rehabilitate and enlarge a basketball court at Ferguson Park in New Waterford.

$6,308 to construct retaining walls and landscaping at Wick Park in Leetonia.

$9,627 to construct a pavilion at the Clarence Darrow MetroPark in Trumbull County.