The North Dakota State Fair has been awarded $27,500 and Ward County Parks $10,632 for recreation improvements by the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District’s Recreation Committee.

Ward County’s funds will be used for park improvements at various park locations, including Talbott Court Park, Rice Lake Swim Beach and Nelson Carlson Swim Beach. Improvements include a canoe/kayak launch, benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles and sun shade sails.

The State Fair plans to expand camping spaces in Minot.

The recreation committee recently met and awarded matching grants to 22 projects, totaling $434,731.

Area entities also receiving grants were: Bottineau County, $859 to purchase edging for the Carbury Dam playground; City of Wildrose, $1,000 for the Wildrose Community Garden; Maddock Park & Recreation, $22,099 to update playground equipment at the city park; Carrington Park District, $136,2020 for renovations to the baseball and softball diamonds in the city park and to renovate West Park.

The deadline to apply for the fall round of grants is Sept. 1.