Staff report

New playgrounds, splash pads, pickleball courts and more are coming to local parks around the state thanks to funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program. The department approved more than $3.4 million for projects that improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans across the state.

“These projects are crucial in building stronger connections to the outdoors,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “We are proud and excited to partner with communities all around the state to bring exceptional opportunities for recreation to every Ohioan.”

ODNR approved 86 projects in 73 counties, including Mahoning and Trumbull. Projects include development of new and renovated playgrounds, splash pads, sports courts such as 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.

STRUTHERS

The city of Struthers received a $54,319 grant to build a quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible walking path and install 10 paved handicapped parking spots at Nebo Park, where a new dog park was opened last summer.

Mayor Catherine Cercone Miller said the total cost of the path and parking lot is estimated at $162,000 — to ensure ADA compliance — so the city will look for other funding sources. She said improvements at Nebo Park also include adding outdoor workout equipment, but that will be a separate project not included in the $162,000 estimate and won’t be covered by the ODNR grant.

Miller said the city also will lease a portion of the park to the Struthers Baseball League to build two new baseball fields. Plans also include new plumbing for the bathroom and eventually other facilities and painting the building green to match the aesthetic of the dog park.

“We want to invest more into Nebo Park and build it up instead of just putting all of our resources into Mauthe Park,” Miller said.

NILES

The city of Niles received a $76,635 grant to rehabilitate two tennis courts and four pickleball courts at Stevens Park.

“We appreciate our partners at ODNR for providing this funding to enhance Stevens Park. Ongoing park improvements is a priority of mine and allows more citizens to enjoy quality of life amenities in our recreational spaces,” said Niles Mayor Steven Mientkiewicz. “The park director, park board and city council are fully invested in supporting comprehensive upgrades to the Niles park system. This specific project will address resurfacing, painting / lining, posts, nets and fencing in our tennis and pickleball facility.”

“These grants are all about providing a variety of options so communities can provide the

very best amenities for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “I encourage Ohioans to discover all the different ways they can get outside and be active while exploring the best our state has to offer.”

NatureWorks grants provide up to 75% 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.

Reporter Chris McBride and correspondent Kegan Wormley contributed to this story.