ODNR awards Storybook Trail grants
Storybook Trails include multiple signs along the path, with each sign showcasing a page from a children's book.
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded more than $51,000 in grant funding for six new Storybook Trail projects in the state.
With this round of grant funding, more than $150,000 since 2021 has been awarded to 20 communities to help build Storybook Trails for Ohio families.
“I love taking our grandkids to read on Storybook Trails every chance I get,” Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine said. “It’s exciting that we are investing in our communities so that more Ohio families across the state can enjoy this unique experience and kids can learn and be active at the same time.”
Six new Storybook Trails will be created with funding awarded through the Recreational Trails Program. The grants are used for interpretive signage, trail and trail head construction and maintenance. Storybook Trails feature pages of a children’s book placed on large signs along an outdoor trail.
“I love coming to our state parks and seeing families walking through a Storybook Trail and the excitement they have to get to the next page in the story,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “The Storybook Trails in our state parks are beloved trails and have been a success across the state.”
The following municipalities and organizations were selected for grant funding: City of Centerville, Montgomery County Grant Award, $9,930; Ludowici Community Foundation, Perry County Grant Award, $10,000; Madison County Chamber of Commerce Grant Award, $7,580; Morrow County Park District Grant Award, $9,800; Pickaway County Park District Grant Award, $9,148; and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Tuscarawas/Carroll Counties Grant Award, $4,902.
The RTP is a reimbursement grant program that provides up to 80% project funding. This grant program is federally funded and is administered by the ODNR in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration.
