NEW Changing Lives Grant

Through the OPRA Changing Lives Grant Program, the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Foundation has committed to funding an annual grant of up to $20,000 matching grant to one OPRA member agency that expands their program offerings to make parks and recreation services available to new or expanded audiences. Designed for agencies that need help pushing critical projects across the finish line, the grant seeks to assist agencies changing the lives of the people who they serve.

The program is specifically seeking projects that positively impact their community by making park spaces and programs more accessible. Examples of projects include playground equipment that allows better access to those with physical or mental disabilities; programs or projects that provide access to the public that may not be able to participate due to financial barriers; programs or projects providing sensory-friendly education opportunities; and programs or projects specifically targeted toward underserved populations or people living on the margins of society.

Congratulations to our November 15, 2022 grant winners!

Program Development Grant Recipients

RecTalker- Wearable “Talker” for Inclusive Programs  |  City of Cuyahoga Falls  |  $2,000
The City of Cuyahoga Falls Parks and Recreation Department has conceptualized an innovative program assistive device that would allow us to offer a wearable talker, called a RecTalker, to any child or adult who attend our summer programs as a means of increased communication and inclusion into daily activities.  This individualized device would be created by purchasing wrist/arm bands intended for cell phones and instead inserting a laminated sheet with personalized icons for each individual, based on his/her needs and abilities. These specialized cards would include those icons applicable to our daily camp schedule and his/her personal needs. The ability to modify these cards as needed throughout the programming season, offers the highest level of accessibility to those individuals in need.

The Herbert & Patricia Wagers Memorial Park – Nature Preserve Programs  |  Preble County Park District  |  $1,750
The funds will assist Preble County Park District in bring the programs to Wagers Park much sooner than anticipated as well as assist them in bringing higher quality educators and programs to Wagners Memorial Park.  The programs will not only educate the surrounding community in their local natural environment, but will educated them on how they can help support and care for the wildlife within their community.

 

Administrative Grant Recipient

Combined Agency Future Vision Planning  |  Clark County Park District and National Trail Parks and Recreation District  |  $2,000
For nearly 12 years, members of the community have been studying the possibility of combining the two parks and recreation agencies that serve Clark County.  As the two agencies gradually merge, they want to gather public input from community members, stakeholders, and local partners to develop a Future Vision Plan that will guide the agencies and all them to reach goals and aspirations for the combined agency.