By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Wood County Park District made a commitment years ago to share its tax dollars with community parks around the county.
When Neil Munger, director of the county park district, visits communities throughout the county, he is frequently reminded of the value of that sharing.
“There have been a lot of times, going out and looking at some of these communities, I see that 90 percent of the improvements in the parks are made with these grants,” Munger said. “It’s really heartwarming to see that.”
This year, the Wood County Park District again set aside $100,000 to disperse to local community parks.
Fifteen requests for funding were received, with 13 being granted.
“The board likes to spread it out as much as we can,” Munger said.
“It’s all judged on merit,” he said. Applicants willing to share in the costs or donate labor are viewed favorably.
One was rejected for an incomplete application, and the other because it was too large of a request, Munger said.
Following is a list of how the grant funding will be used:
- Bowling Green: $19,640 to replace Bellard and Perkins shelter houses in Carter Park with one larger shelter that will be ADA compliant.
- Custar: $2,538 for tree and shrub planting.
- Cygnet: $4,346 for replacement of bleachers.
- Luckey: $3,915 for playground resurfacing.
- North Baltimore: $12,394 to replace basketball goals.
- Perrysburg: $10,463 for replacement of playground equipment.
- Perrysburg Township: $7,702 for playground resurfacing, replacement of swingset chains, and picnic table.
- Portage Township: $3,252 for concession stand equipment (commercial refrigerator and popcorn popper.)
- Rossford: $11,103 to resurface pickleball courts.
- Tontogany: $4,245 for disc golf course.
- Walbridge: $9,674 to replace fencing.
- Wayne: $7,522 for playground equipment (ADA swing and merry-go-round.)
- West Millgrove: $3,205 for park benches and funnel ball.
