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State funding approved for tri-county parks
Valley parks get state funding for projects
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
The state Controlling Board signed off Monday on grants for park improvements in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties.
The projects were among those receiving a total of $2.8 million in funding through the NatureWorks program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
In Mahoning County, $16,759 will go to Smith Township for new playground equipment and a pavilion at North Benton Park. An additional $34,280 will go to the village of New Middletown for asphalt exercise paths at Welker Park.
In Trumbull County, the city of Girard will receive $37,187 for bridge improvements at Liberty Park, and $30,000 will go to Johnston Township to replace playground equipment at Johnston Park.
Three projects were approved for Columbiana County. The village of Salineville will receive $6,039 for a new basketball court, playground equipment, drinking fountain, benches, landscaping and lighting at Kiwanis Park.
The city of East Liverpool will receive $14,600 for new playground swings at Thompson Park.
And the county park district will receive $20,418 for a dirt-and-asphalt track at Hellbender Bluff Park.
A total of 113 applications seeking nearly $5 million were submitted for consideration for NatureWorks grants this year. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommended funding for 80.