EATON — Fort St. Clair Park in Eaton will receive an upgraded playground area with the help of a recent Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks grant.

In the 2023 Round 29 grant announcements, the City of Eaton was awarded $10,928 to go toward the installation of new playground equipment at the park, the total amount available for Preble County in this round.

“A need for upgraded playground equipment in our parks was one of the most-received responses to our most recent Community Parks Survey, and this grant will help move one of those projects forward,” City of Eaton Community Development Specialist Leslie Collins said. “We had several suggestions for possible fort-themed playgrounds, and we think the proposed new equipment will provide that and greatly enhance the park.”

“To enhance the quality of life for our residents, our staff is committed to maintaining and improving our park system here in the City of Eaton,” Service and Parks Coordinator Zac Wilson added. “Fort St Clair Park is a popular place for families to walk, enjoy nature, and now they will have a new playground to enjoy. It is important for kids to have access to outdoor play equipment to develop physically, socially, and cognitively, so we are thrilled to provide these opportunities to our community. We’re excited and fortunate to receive this grant from ODNR to help advance this project.”

NatureWorks projects are funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue which was approved by Ohio voters in November 1993.

The NatureWorks grant program provides up to 75 percent reimbursement assistance for local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts) to for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas.

Since NatureWorks’ inception, the grant has funded over 2,300 public park projects in all 88 counties.

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.