Seneca Lake Marina and Old Washington Park awarded grant money

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz awarded $1.7 million in grants to support dozens of new outdoor recreation projects in local communities across the state.

“We are excited to help communities all over Ohio create fun, safe, and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Governor DeWine. “These grants help local parks improve and upgrade their outdoor spaces for citizens of Ohio.”

The grants, awarded as part of the NatureWorks program, will support 68 outdoor recreation projects in 62 counties. Projects include the development of playgrounds, natural playscapes, trails, restrooms, dog parks, baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, splash pads, and picnic shelters.

Locally, two grants were awarded. One grant was awarded to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District for the construction of a Seneca Lake Marina fire pit area. The grant amount of $7,176 will go towards installing wings, a lawn game area, and the fire pit construction.

The Old Washington Village Park was also awarded $3,489 in grant money to be used for upgrades at the park. Installation of a slide, two toddler swings and a JennSwing are planned for the grant money.

“These grants give us an opportunity to partner with local communities and invest in outdoor recreation across the Buckeye State,” said Mertz. “We are always looking for ways to get families and friends to get out and enjoy the beautiful spaces that can be found right in their own neighborhoods.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Seneca Lake and Old Washington Park awarded grant money