COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), has approved more than $14.9 million in project funding through the Clean Ohio Trails Fund, NatureWorks and Recreational Trails Program grants that will be used to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans all across that state. Among the grants approved is funding for replacement of the Eldorado Village Park playground equipment.

According to ODNR, the new equipment will replace “unsafe facilities that were removed.”

The portion of the grant being recommended for Eldorado amounts to over $16,000. Total estimated cost for the project is approximately $21,500.

“By pursuing additional opportunities for Ohioans to enjoy the outdoors, these communities are investing in their overall health and in preserving the outdoor experience for our kids and grandkids,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “ODNR is proud to partner with the park districts, counties, cities and towns in Ohio that seek to create more outdoor recreational activities for the people in their communities.”

The funds are a portion of 89 NatureWorks state grants ODNR approved, totaling nearly $3 million to develop and improve public access for outdoor recreation facilities across Ohio. Projects will include the development or improvement of 23 playgrounds, 11 park restrooms, eight shelters, 18 ballfields, tennis courts and basketball courts, 14 trails, two splash pads and pool components and more.

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