Cuddy Dixon Memorial Park will see upgrades in 2026

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has announced project funding through the NatureWorks Grant Program.

The program will provide the city of Zanesville with $28,193 in funds to upgrade park facilities at Cuddy Dixon Memorial Park. Emily Shirley is the planning and zoning administrator for the city of Zanesville, and she says that grants like this can make or break projects for parks like this.

“Grant programs are real essential in small communities. Without these funds, we can’t do the full scope of projects we want to do,” Shirley said. “So, we rely on community feedback and community wants and needs, and that really feeds into these grant programs. Especially, not just the planning phases, but securing the money itself. It’s very important. ”

Part of a $40,000 budget, the grant funds phase one for the pakr project, which will be used to upgrade the basketball hoops, create an ADA accessible parking area, and install security cameras to deter illicit activity at the park. Phase two will later replace the playground equipment as part of a broader effort to enhance Zanesville city parks.

“To the city of Zanesville, you know, it’s always a highlight for us to focus on these parks because we know and understand the needs of the community,” Shirley said. “We need free, accessible spaces for people of all ages, not just children. So, we focus a lot on families with children getting really nice playground equipment in. But, our focus is to provide, you know, free outdoor activities for everyone, places where people can gather, bring their families and feel safe. ”

Shirley says that the city has applied for several more grants to continue improving the city’s various parks, including a project to create the city’s first splash pad in Putnam Hill Park.