ANNA — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), recently 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.

Locally, Anna Community Park was awarded $7,500 for park musical equipment through the NatureWorks Program. They are planning the addition of outdoor musical equipment near the children’s garden. The total amount of the project is estimated at $10,000.

Statewide, ODNR has approved 89 NatureWorks grants 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 ball-fields, 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.