Ohio House Bill HB328

Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/25

Caption

To establish a grant program to reimburse local government entities for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of community recreation spaces, to name this act the Fit, Safe, and Strong Communities Act, and to make an appropriation.

Summary

HB328 would create a one-time state grant program administered by the Director of Children and Youth, with assistance from the Director of Natural Resources, to reimburse local government entities for up to 75% of the cost of acquiring, developing, or rehabilitating community recreation spaces. Eligible projects include outdoor spaces, parks, playgrounds, pools, splash pads, and recreation centers. The bill also names the measure the Fit, Safe, and Strong Communities Act. The bill includes a state appropriation of $10.25 million in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Of that amount, $10 million per year would fund the reimbursement grants described above, and $250,000 per year would be reserved to establish learning labs within local government recreation centers. Applicants must show title to the property or a long-term non-revocable lease, submit a development or rehabilitation plan, and include a partnership with a nonprofit or community partner. Priority is given to applications that expand play capacity or include a plan to develop a learning lab.

Impact

HB328 would create new statutory authority for a state-funded local recreation grant program and direct the Department of Children and Youth to administer it in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources. It would also appropriate General Revenue Fund dollars for the program and establish a specific funding split between recreation-space reimbursements and learning labs. The bill would affect local governments such as townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts by making them eligible for reimbursement for qualifying recreation-related capital projects.

Sentiment

Because the bill was introduced and had not yet advanced beyond the House Finance Committee, there is no recorded vote or committee testimony to show a formal consensus or opposition. On its face, the measure appears broadly supportive of community investment, youth recreation, and public health-oriented amenities, suggesting a generally positive policy framing. The inclusion of learning labs and nonprofit partnerships indicates an emphasis on community access, education, and long-term sustainability.

Contention

The main potential points of contention are likely to be fiscal and administrative rather than ideological: the bill commits a substantial General Revenue Fund appropriation, and it creates a new grant program that requires state oversight and local matching-style planning. Some stakeholders could question whether the 75% reimbursement rate, the eligibility requirements, or the priority criteria fairly distribute funds among communities. Others may debate the use of recreation-center space for learning labs versus focusing all funds on physical recreation infrastructure.