ODNR Awards Nearly $8 Million with NatureWorks for Local Park Projects

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is now accepting applications for grant funding assistance for local park projects through the state NatureWorks Grant Program. Before the end of this year, ODNR will be awarding $3.9 million to local communities all across the state to assist in providing Ohioans with enhanced outdoor opportunities.

The Ohio General Assembly recently allocated nearly $8 million to the NatureWorks Program for the next two fiscal years, FY 14 and FY 15. ODNR is currently offering half of these funds for local park projects, awarded projects can be started as early as spring 2015.

NatureWorks funding is available for cities, villages, counties, townships, park districts and conservancy districts interested in securing funds to assist with local park projects. Applicants and project scopes must meet the eligibility requirements under the NatureWorks Program, and all applications for the NatureWorks grant program must be postmarked by Sept. 1, 2014.

The NatureWorks grant application can be found at: ohiodnr.gov/realestate.

The Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Fund (State Issue No. 1) was passed by voters on Nov. 3, 1993. Additional legislation authorized the creation of the NatureWorks program. This is the 21st round for NatureWorks grants.