The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has approved more than $4.4 million in project funding through the NatureWorks grant program, which will be used to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans across the state.
Included in that funding is a grant for the Village of Lexington.
“The NatureWorks grant program has been allowing ODNR to invest back into Ohio’s local communities for 25 years,” said ODNR Director Jim Zehringer. “We believe it is important to encourage people to spend time outdoors doing recreational activities they enjoy with the people they care about here in Ohio.”
ODNR has approved 102 NatureWorks state grants totaling more than $4.4 million that will be used to develop and improve public access for outdoor recreation facilities in 68 counties across Ohio. Projects include many new playgrounds that will replace outdated playgrounds, new picnic shelters, renovations to existing shelters, trails, trailheads, restrooms, baseball fields, basketball courts, amphitheaters and outdoor stages, fishing piers, kayak launches and much more.
NatureWorks provides up to 75 percent reimbursement assistance to local subdivisions of government (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of recreational areas. The 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.
Lexington was awarded $58,726 for Patriot Park Phase 3 Improvements. The project will include the construction of a pavilion, playground, and asphalt walking path.
