Parks, recreation departments look forward to this summer

This summer, Lorain County residents can enjoy city pools and parks along with some new and updated amenities at nearby cities.

The city of Elyria will open its two pools: East Pool, 1105 Prospect St.; and North Pool, at 901 Duffey St.

The operation costs of the pools comes from the general fund, according to Director of Parks and Recreation Lisa Bowman.

Hiltop Park, Abbe Road Park, East Park, Washington Village Park and West Park also is available for use this summer, Bowman said.

“We will be hosting a summer softball league,” she said. “It will begin in May.”

In addition, the city will build two spray parks over the summer with money from Issue 6 and block grant money.

“We are going to build one at West Park – where the old pool used to be– and South Park,” Bowman said. “The West Park one will begin first. Our goal is to have it finished by late summer.”

In mid-May, the city will put out bids for the West Park Spray Park project.

Once the city receives the block grant money, crews will begin to work on the Spray Park at South Park, Bowman said.

In Avon Lake, residents can expect to see renovations of seven of 11 score boards at Weiss Field, according to Parks and Recreation Director Tim Pinchek.

“The Avon Lake Youth Baseball Federation is paying for the renovations with a $70,000 grant,” Pinchek said. “They also will be purchasing fencing and repairs at Bleser Park. They have been more than generous to us.”

Avon Lake’s Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center will open June 2 and residents can expect some minor repairs, he said.

The city will repair tile on the pool floor and a possible umbrella could be added to the aquatic facility, Pinchek said.

“We submitted a grant through AAD Shade Structure Grant Program,” he said. “We will find out in May if we received he grant. We have had success in the past, so we are excited.”

North Ridgeville does not have a public pool, but recently took input from residents on what amenities they want for a possible aquatic facility, Parks and Recreation Direct Kevin Fougerousse said.

“We are still working on the plans for the aquatic facility,” Fougerousse said.

Locals can expect to see renovations to four tennis courts at South Central Park.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department received the NatureWorks Grant for $52,244 through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

“We are rehabilitating the courts and it also will serve a dual purpose,” Fougerousse said. “It will be for tennis and pickleball.”

The tennis and pickleball courts could be operational by fall.