Each year a board of six members, including the Darke County Park District Board of Commissioners, meet to determine what grants will be awarded. Applications focus on addressing health and safety factors in each community and applicants are awarded based on need. The Community Grants program is a re-imbursement grant program and the villages are notified in June if they have received the requested grant. The re-imbursement takes place in December of each year after the project has been completed. A variety of projects have been funded, from bleachers, playground equipment, shelter houses to restroom facilities, picnic tables, slides, repairs of electrical service, and much more have all been funded through this program.
Director of Parks, Roger Van Frank stated, “The Darke County Park District is dedicated to improving active recreational services and facilities in your local community. These partnerships formed between Darke County communities and the Park District have been successful in creating safe and healthy environments for children and families to utilize all over the County.” For more information contact your Local Park Council or call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165, ask for the Director or email director@darkecountyparks.org .