Over $150,000 in grants to benefit four Mahoning Valley community parks
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) announced on Friday, December 12, 2025, that more than $2.9 million would be distributed to communities across the state for outdoor recreational projects.
"We take pride in our parks because they are an important central gathering place in our local communities," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
DeWine continued," We hope the projects funded by these grants will encourage more Ohioans to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family."
Of the 76 projects receiving funding, four of them are within the Mahoning Valley region, including:
- Boardman Township
- Canfield
- Champion Township
- Salem
In Boardman Township, the money is awarded for the Boardman Park Masters Playground, to update and expand the playground. They have been awarded $54,319 to put towards the project.
The City of Canfield received $34,087 to be used in repairs to the pickleball courts located in Greasel Park. Repairs include court resurfacing, netting and fending replacement.
Champion Township in Trumbull County received $45,989 to install exercise equipment at the Champion Townshop Exercise Station Area.
Lastly, the City of Salem in Columbiana County will be able to use the awarded money to improve and upgrade pavilions found at Centennial Park, as part of the Centennial Park pavilion improvements project. In total, $31,035 in grant funds were awarded.
Altogether, all four communities received $165,430 out of the $2.9 million distributed across the state.
"We want Ohioans to be able to discover an amazing park in their own backyard and that's why we support our local parks," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.
Mertz continued," These grants allow communities to grow their love of nature and exploration."
