COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will accept new grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) until Nov. 15.

Local government entities, including villages, counties, park districts and cities, may now apply for up to $500,000 for the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of public outdoor recreational areas. This funding, provided through the National Park Service, will help communities improve public parks and preserve green space.

ODNR administers the federal LWCF grant program for Ohio. This fund provides up to 50 percent reimbursement assistance. Many local parks that Ohioans enjoy today were made possible through this federal program, which has awarded more than $152 million to projects in Ohio since its inception in 1965.

To download a grant application or learn more about the LWCF, go to realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor-recreation-facility-grants.