Rep. McNally Announces $29K from NatureWorks Grant Program for Poland Township

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the awarding of $29,867 in state funds from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) NatureWorks Grant Program for Poland Township.

“These dollars will expand accessibility to our parks, which is good for everyone,” said Rep. McNally. “I applaud Poland Township for pursuing this opportunity from the state and congratulate them on receiving this funding.”

The ODNR’s NatureWorks Grant Program is funded by the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue, approved by Ohio voters in November of 1993, and is awarding $1.6M in this 29th grant funding round to 61 local government applicant projects after evaluating 112 applicants from 59 Ohio counties totaling $3.7M in requests. The grant program provides up to 75% reimbursement assistance for local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas, and has funded over 2300 public park projects in all 88 counties since its inception.

The $29,867 awarded to Poland Township Park will support the Poland Township Park ADA-Accessible Trail Connectivity Project, constructing accessible pathways to connect facilities. Applications for the next grand funding round are being accepted until June 1, 2024 and must meet certain specifications.