Forsyth County has cleared a major hurdle in its request for help funding improvements to Ducktown Park.

The state Department of Natural Resources Board is recommending that Forsyth County receive $100,000, the agency said in a press release. The money would be spent for a playground, walking trail, horseshoe pit, volleyball, parking and restrooms at Ducktown Park. It is part of $1.2 million that the DNR board hopes can go to 15 counties, cities and recreation authorities around the state.

Final approval of the grants to Forsyth County and the other agencies must be approved by the federal Department of Interior.

"We were impressed by the caliber of applications received and are glad to provide assistance for these deserving projects," said Becky Kelley, DNR's parks director, in a prepared statement. "Public support for recreational improvements and expanding greenspace is great, and we wish we had additional funding so that more communities could benefit from this important program."

Projects were scored based on their proximity to people and communities, conservation efforts, the threat of land being lost to development and other criteria.

Also recommended for approve were:

• the city of Morrow's request for $50,000 to replace playground equipment at Charles Milton Daniel Park;

• Dawson County's application for $80,000 to refurbish campsites, a picnic area, bathhouse and beach at War Hill Park.

• Jefferson County's request for $100,000 for ballfield fencing, irrigation, tennis court lighting and playground equipment at the Jefferson County Recreation Park expansion.