The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Metro Parks to submit application for bridge
Grafton may see a development from the Lorain County Metro Parks in the upcoming months.
Grafton may see a development from the Lorain County Metro Parks in the upcoming months.
During a board meeting Sept. 17, the Metro Parks passed a resolution to submit an application to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, also known as NOACA, for funding through the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative to build a bridge and make site improvements to Indian Hollow Reservation.
Jim Ziemnik, director/secretary of the Lorain County Metro Parks, said Grafton residents expressed interest in gaining more accessibility to the parks and the Black River.
“Grafton did a TLCI [Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative] planning grant,” Ziemnik said. “In the planning grant, in all of the community services, we were ranked either one, two or three in every category for connecting to the Metro Parks.
“People said they wanted to receive the value of the Metro Parks and to be connected to the parks.”
If the application is accepted and funding is distributed. Ziemnik said the proposed projects will bring Grafton residents together and give them proper access to the Metro Parks and its resources.
“This gives us a chance to connect our Royal Oaks and Indian Hollow across the river, and take us right into downtown Grafton,” he said. “Therefore, serving a greater amount of people.
“It’s a great way to get connectivity and serve the people.”
Ziemnik said the Metro Parks closed on a small parcel of land Sept. 16 on Main Street in Grafton which will aid in this new bridge and connectivity plan.
“I’m very pleased to see our level of support and popularity there,” he said. “People see us to be part of that fabric.
“This resolution is the next stop for us to apply for funds.”
The application process will begin in the upcoming weeks, Metro Parks officials said.