Swale Park gets grant for new shelter house

COLUMBUS — New playgrounds, splashpads, pickleball courts and more are coming to local parks around the state thanks to funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks grant program. The department approved more than $3.4 million for projects that improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans across the state. Included is $40,964 to help with the construction of a new shelter house at Swale Park in Findlay. "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. Projects include development of new and renovated playgrounds, splashpads, 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. "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. In addition to Swale Park, area counties chosen for funding through the grant program include: • Hardin County — Village of Ada received $18,069 for two cloth shade structures for the Ada Swimming Pool. • Henry Village — Village of Deshler received $17,399 to construct accessible restrooms at Pirate Park. • Putnam County — Village of Fort Jennings received $18,646 to recondition two tennis courts and make accessibility improvements that will include widening the entrances at Fort Jennings Community Park. • Seneca County — Village of Bloomville received $33,375 to extend the Dragon Walking Trail throughout Beeghly Park; and $13.729 to construct accessible sheltered education and observation area for the park district's outdoor education area at Fruth Wetland Nature Preserve.