Warren County commissioners approved funding Wednesday for park improvement projects in Sheffield Township, Columbus Township and the Spring Creek area, advancing several community recreation and accessibility initiatives.

Commissioners approved two applications for Act 13 Greenways and Open Space funding, which is supported through the state’s unconventional natural gas well impact fee program. The county receives annual allocations through the program and makes the funds available to municipalities and eligible entities for qualifying projects.

Sheffield Township received approval for a $14,360.22 grant to help fund the first phase of improvements at Memorial Park. The project, estimated at approximately $64,000, includes replacing deteriorated playground equipment designed for children ages 2 to 5, installing new equipment for that age group, adding a new infant swing set and restoring any grass or landscaping disturbed during construction. The township will provide approximately $50,000 in matching funds from its general fund.

Commissioners also approved a $5,000 Act 13 grant for Columbus Township to continue rehabilitation of the nearly 30-year-old gazebo at Mather Park. The $10,000 phase of the multi-year project focuses on safety improvements by replacing deteriorated floor supports that were originally constructed with untreated lumber. The work will require removal and replacement of the gazebo’s flooring. Columbus Township will provide the remaining $5,000 from its general fund.

County officials said both projects meet the eligibility requirements for the Act 13 Greenways and Open Space program.

In a separate action, commissioners awarded a $14,000 design contract to EADS Architects for accessibility improvements at Spring Creek Community Park.

The contract covers design services for planned accessibility upgrades at the park, with negotiations on construction inspection services to follow. According to the commissioners, proposals were solicited through the county grant writer Josh Cotton and EADS Architects was selected following a review of the submissions.

Commissioners said the project represents an important investment in a well-used community park and noted it has been some time since the county has funded improvements in the Spring Creek area.