NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) - A couple of local entities have made the list of state grants being awarded for park projects throughout Ohio. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is providing $3.3-million for 85 projects in 66 counties as part of its Nature-Works grant program. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District spokeswoman Adria Bergeron says they’re getting nearly $22,000 dollars to install a handicapped-accessible kayak launch at Atwood Lake sometime in the spring. It will be going in near the public boat launch ramp on state Route 212.

“They would place their kayak down into, it’s like a chute. It provides a stable position for the kayak to be in for you to get in and get out and easily kind of glide from the chute to the water,” she says. 

Bergeron says this also will give kayakers a safer opportunity to get in the water.

“Having a designated area for a kayak launch gets the competition of a hand-powered canoe or kayak out of the way of traffic of the motorized boats that we also have competing for the same access to the water,” she says.

The other local grant is for about $7,800, going to Tusky for playground equipment at the village park.

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