ODNR provides funding for outdoor recreation projects
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is providing $1.6 million in funding through its NatureWorks grant program for outdoor recreation projects across the state.
As a result, local projects will be taking place at Union Park in Bellaire and Monroe Memorial Pool in Woodsfield.
"These projects support the fact that Ohio is a great place for people to live, work, and play," Gov. Mike DeWine said. "We're excited to work with our local partners to broaden opportunities for outdoor recreation."
According to a press release from ODNR, the organization approved 61 projects in 59 counties. "Projects include the development of new and renovated playgrounds, splash pads, sports courts including pickleball and basketball courts, trails and walking paths, dog parks, kayak launches, disc golf courses, and other park amenities such as restrooms, lighting and parking."
"We make it our mission to encourage people to get outside and enjoy nature," ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. "Projects like these help to show families and friends the outdoor adventures that can be found right in their own communities."
The village of Bellaire was awarded $13,490 through the program. The funds will be used to remove dead and diseased trees from Union Park. According to ODNR's website, removing the trees will make the park safer for visitors and will create more space for recreational activities.
Bellaire Councilwoman Elizabeth Dugmore said the village has been working to get the trees removed for about three years. She said Councilman Jerry Olack has spearheaded the project.
She said all of the trees along the perimeter of the park will be cut down and eventually replaced.
"We're taking out all of the perimeter trees because they are either in such bad shape that they're dangerous or actually dead," she said.
She said the new trees will be "more conducive to the environment and, hopefully, prettier."
Dugmore said the project will be done in phases with the first phase focusing on removing the current trees. She did not know the exact date when the tree removal process would start, but she said it should be shortly after the first of the year.
"My goal is to get people more interested in using the park. ... I think we have a beautiful park, and I think people do use it now, but I think there are a lot more activities that could go on in the park," Dugmore said.
Dugmore and Olack plan to discuss the project further at the next Bellaire Village Council meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in council chambers.
Woodsfield also received funding through NatureWorks. It's $8,124 will go toward repainting Monroe Memorial Pool.
The pool is opened each year near Memorial Day and is closed in mid-August. The pool is 8 feet deep and features a diving board as well as a separate baby pool.
For more information, call the Woodsfield Parks and Recreation Department at 740-472-0471 or visit the Monroe Memorial Pool Facebook page.
Woodsfield officials could not be reached to comment on the awarded grant.
The NatureWorks program reimburses local government subdivisions including townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts and conservancy districts up to 75% of the costs of the purchase, development and upkeep of recreational spaces. The local government applying must be able to provide the remaining 25% up front. School boards are not eligible to apply for the grant.
The Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue, authorized by Ohioans in November 1993, provides funding for these projects. According to ODNR's website, "since NatureWorks’ inception, the grant has funded over 2,300 public park projects in all 88 counties."
The full list of new projects can be found on ODNR's NatureWorks webpage at ohiodnr.gov.
For more information about the grant or application process, contact program manager Dee Burlison at 614-438-1525 or dolores.burlison@dnr.ohio.gov.