Casey Brooker works up a sweat hauling mulch at Dodge Park in Beverly in 2019. (File photo)

BEVERLY — Dodge Park in the village of Beverly is set to receive new, accessible playground equipment following the award of a $20,127 Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant aimed at improving inclusivity for local families.

Beverly Mayor Jim Ullman said the funding will allow the village to add handicap- and wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, addressing a gap in amenities at the park.

“One of the things that we didn’t have to offer is playground equipment for the handicapped,” Ullman said. “This money … will give some playground equipment that is wheelchair accessible to add to our playground.”

He said the goal is to make Doge Park more accessible and inclusive for all residents.

Construction on the playground upgrades is expected to begin in the spring, Ullman said, giving families something to look forward to as warmer weather arrives.

The Beverly project is one of several local parks in the 94th House District receiving NatureWorks funding this year. State Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Marietta, announced the awards, stating local parks play an important role in communities.

“Our local parks serve an important purpose for families and communities around the district, and I’m pleased to see funding allocated toward supporting park upgrades so that they can continue to be valuable assets here in our state,” Ritter said.

Other approved projects include $32,795 for the village of Racine in Meigs County to make improvements at Star Mill Park, including a pickleball court fence, an accessible sidewalk to the ballfield and basketball court resurfacing. For Albany in Athens County, the village will receive $18,694 to install new playground equipment, mulch and a concrete ramp at Albany Village Park.

Statewide, ODNR recently approved more than $2.9 million in NatureWorks funding for 76 projects across 64 counties. The grants will support a range of outdoor recreation improvements, including new and renovated playgrounds, splash pads, sports courts, trails, pavilions and other park amenities such as restrooms, lighting and parking.