The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Extension planned for East Park trail
Change is coming to East Park in Elyria.
The city plans to extend the nearly mile-long trail at the park, 1101 Prospect St., by an additional estimated 1,200 feet, according to Parks and Recreation Department Director Carrie Reardon.
“We’re basically just updating the existing trail and adding a little bit,” Reardon said.
The city’s website says the park is 25.5 acres and includes a recreation center, baseball fields, basketball courts, playground equipment and an outdoor pool.
The addition is in the early stages making Reardon hesitant to get too far into details.
“It’s just been approved through the Utilities (Committee), it hasn’t even been approved through full (City) Council,” she said adding she doesn’t see a reason council won’t approve the addition at their Aug. 5 meeting.
Currently, the architect’s estimate on the work is set at $228,000, but the official bid documents won’t be drawn up for a few weeks after council approves the project. During the bidding process, the plan may change, Reardon said.
“This enhancement to East Park is part of the Elyria Parks and Recreation master plan and will be funded out of our Issue 6 money that is specific for the parks,” she said.
In March 2016, 7,665 residents voted for an additional 0.5% income tax to fund street repairs, police personnel and equipment and Parks and Recreation projects. Reardon said the levy brings the department about $1 million a year.
She said she believes this is the most money the parks have received.
“The capital budget was so small in the past, you might get one shelter every three years, if that,” Reardon said. “We have playgrounds that are over 25 years old that haven’t been touched because there just hasn’t been the money there.”