Ocean City -- State Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson recently informed Ocean City that its $200,000 Green Acres loan application was approved.

In July 2007, city council authorized a Green Acres application to fund improvements to the North Street and 34th Street playgrounds. Those projects are being designed with construction planned in fall 2008.

“The city and Commissioner Lisa Jackson are working in partnership on a number of environmental initiatives from beach replenishment to enhancement of our parks and playgrounds. We genuinely appreciate the Commissioner’s support of all of these important initiatives that will enhance the quality of life in our community,” stated Mayor Sal Perillo in a release.

The city’s plan calls for the renovation of five parks and playgrounds throughout the municipality. The Eighth Street Playground is under construction with enhancements to the entire site, including the Community Building and the playground itself. This project is expected to be completed this spring.

In addition to the 34th Street and North Street playgrounds, a new tennis pavilion will be constructed at Fifth Street and improvements will be made to the Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp.