The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has approved more than $5.2 million through the Ohio NatureWorks grant program to improve recreation opportunities across the state.

“We are happy to partner with local communities to help them improve and develop outdoor recreation sites across the state,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “These grants will provide exceptional opportunities to expand local parks and encourage more people to get out into the fresh air.”

ODNR approved 115 projects in 79 counties, including Mahoning and Trumbull. Projects include acquisition of new park lands and development of playgrounds, trails, restrooms, baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, swimming pools, kayak launches, disc golf courses, and more.

Projects approved in Mahoning County are:

• $55,475 for a new gazebo at Milton Township Community Park;

• $22,575 for the rehabilitation of an existing deck and walkways leading to Mahoning River access at the Spring Common Park in Youngstown; and

• $15,247 for the installation of a double vault restroom at the north Mill Creek Park Golf Course at Mill Creek MetroParks.

Projects approved in Trumbull County are:

• $20,975 to install new playground equipment at Waugh Park in Hubbard; and

• $60,961 to replace a restroom facility at Willow Park in Cortland.

“These grants provide us a way to invest in outdoor recreation all over Ohio,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “This program gives communities the opportunity to make their local sites better for their families, friends, and neighbors.”

NatureWorks grants provide up to 75 percent reimbursement assistance to local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of recreational areas. Projects are funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue, which was approved by Ohioans in November 1993. Additional legislation authorized the creation of the NatureWorks Grant Program.