The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
A look at the future of city’s parks
City sports 17 parks
Of the seventeen parks, some are recreational parks, others are pocket parks and lakefront or beach parks.
Dana Corogin, Vermilion’s Parks and Recreation supervisor, says her main goal is for the city to be known for its engaging parks.
Seventeen parks are in the harbor town of Vermilion, located in both Erie and Lorain counties. Some are larger recreational parks, others are small pocket parks and lake-front or beach parks.
According to Corogin, the parks are meant to provide the community with fun and healthy-living opportunities.
She has been with the parks department for about nine years after coming from the city’s Main Street beautification program.
That program is volunteer-based that raises money and coordinates all volunteers for all gardens and flowers in town. However, she realized there was a need for more of an organized labor system for the city and parks department.
Corogin plans improvements to the parks as a supervisor, looks where to see there’s a need and presents it to their parks board. She said she also manages day-to-day operations for maintenance of the parks and prioritizes how and
when those projects will be worked on.
All 17 parks are located coming families, children throughout the city, wel- and any park-goers with
the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Corogin said guests are
able to enjoy outdoor swimming and gatherings, scenic trails, programs coordinated on the water-front and youth athletic programs.
The parks also have been special gathering places for community events throughout the year, she said.
Corogin added that people from all around the world have come to visit their parks.
However, more ideas are sprouting from the parks department that can influence improvements and increase use from more people who visit the area.
Corogin said the department is focusing on new and different programs and the renovation of park property, such as the Vermilion Skateboard Park.
The department is also looking to have Lorain and Erie metro parks connecting together through the city.
“It would be nice to have if we can do that and try and connect everything through biking and hiking,” she said.
Vermilion Elementary School, Sailorway Middle School and Vermilion High School are all situated on one campus. On campus is the city’s park, Sailorway Complex on Sailorway Drive, which holds five ball diamonds, five tennis courts, a soccer field, basketball court and a football stadium.
Corogin said the parks department wants to focus the area of the sports complex as if it was a wellness center and include trails for guests.
She added the department has an interest in more of a regional, concrete skate park, moving the community pool and including a pickle ball court in the campus area.
She said they want to offer programs to all ages, but it will take some time.
The improvements can motivate guests to visit all their parks as well as restaurants, shops and more in the city, she said.
They will also encourage more physical activity like running and walking, as well as aquatic activities such as paddle boating, kayaking and beach yoga, she added.
Corogin wishes these changes can help bring people from all over to visit more.
“I think we want this to be the place people want to be at; whether it’s to live or just vacation or spend the day,” she said.
These improvements are attainable, but the department has to take time with the projects because they have limited resources and a certain amount of funds to watch, she said.
The parks departments is looking to move forward with these changes by next year, Corogin said.
The department is expecting levy money by next year, which they can look over with city finances.
“This is our gap year or regrouping year,” she said. “This year will be a great planning year.”
She said the parks board is planning now by organizing all projects.
Other than Corogin, the parks staff is made up of one-and-half members with an employee whom also maintains the park’s baseball diamonds while working for the schools.
The parks department works with the city’s general fund with that holds a budget every year. She added that their parks board manages the capital improvements that are made through a levy that was passed in 1963.
A levy was also passed in November, so it will bring in some of the new revenue for the parks, she said.
With these funds, she is hoping they can pick up the speed on maintaining their parks and look into hiring more staff.
Corogin said it can be hard to receive funding at times from Lorain and Erie counties, because Vermilion is located in both. However, the department receives help from community foundations because their residents use their parks, she said.
The parks in Vermilion are dear to many residents, she said.
She recalled of a situation last year where their budget was cut and the city’s community pool was on the verge of closing.
The community rallied to keep it open through fundraising efforts and managed to raise enough money.
In two months, the community raised around $36,000 and today the pool remains open.
“In Vermilion, we feel like children all have a right to learn to swim; since we’re a waterfront community,” Corogin said.
She stressed that the parks are vital to the city and more should take advantage of them in their lifestyles.
“I think that people are beginning to use the parks and that’s what we want,” she said.
“(The parks department) wants people to be healthier and outside and meet people.
“I think that we are dedicated to having green space. I want to be the community that’s special and not totally overdeveloped. I’d like the parks to be a big part of that.”
Corogin said she wants to see the parks clean, safe, well-maintained and “a place where you can create your own fun.”