BAZETTA — The township will be a little closer to completing one of its biggest projects, thanks to some assistance from the state.

Trustees authorized accepting a $300,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for the costs associated with the construction of the Bazetta Township Park Imagination Station ADA play area.

According to the resolution, trustees also agreed that $6,000 of the $300,000 appropriated for the project would be retained by ODNR to cover administrative costs and authorized Trustee Michael Hovis to execute the agreement.

Plans to replace the 1,450-square foot Imagination Station located in the corner of the township park date to two years ago, when it surpassed its 25th anniversary.

Beth Petracco, Bazetta Park board member, said in August that the new play area will be inclusive for children of all abilities to be able to interact with their peers and also will be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant.

They planned to use the “Walnut Grove” play area located south of the fairgrounds in Canfield as a model for what they wanted, she added.

The old Imagination Station is expected to be dismantled in September.

In other action, trustees:

• Reported they’ve incurred $10,711 in legal fees and numerous administrative hours as a result of Trumbull County Auditor Martha Yoder’s failure to deposit tax money owed to the township.

• Approved 2025 cemetery rate increases proposed by Road Superintendent Michael Arnal.

• Heard from Zoning Inspector Pete Pizzulo that they’ve received 140 responses on their resident feedback survey; the goal was to receive at least 592 responses, which would be 10% of the township’s population. The survey closes April 18.