The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
City awarded over $360k for West Park Improvement Project
The city of Elyria received a $362,500 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund for a West Park Trail and Improvement Project, according to a news release.
The funding will include the development and construction of: 1.2-mile allpurpose loop trail, including additional internal park paths to connect existing fields and facilities; four pickleball courts; and additional outdoor restroom facilities.
The West Park Trail also will connect with the neighborhoods surrounding West Park by providing additional access to park facilities from Clemens Avenue and Lowell Street - an element of connectivity important through the developing Elyria Active Transportation Plan, the release said.
“We are excited to have been awarded this grant, and to continue making improvements to city parks for residents.” said Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Reardon.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department, under the direction of Reardon, as well as the Office of the Mayor and City Engineer John Schneider, worked with grant writing consultants McCaulley & Company to develop the project in late Summer/early Fall of last year.
In November 2020, City Council unanimously approved the $725,000 grant application to be submitted to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The Land & Water Conservation Fund grant requires a 50-50 match.
The city will cover the remaining half of the project cost with the Parks and Recreation Department’s allocation of Issue 6 funds.
“Issue 6 dollars have allowed us to apply for matching fund grants; this project would not be possible at all without the residents’ support of Issue 6 - having those matching dollars is really a game-changer,” Reardon said.
Councilwoman Donna Mitchell agreed.
“I am so thankful for the walking trail and other improvements at West Park, and I am positive that the residents of the 6th Ward, and all of Elyria will enjoy them” Mitchell said. “We welcome these developments in our community, and look forward to being able to enjoy these additions by Spring 2022.”
The project will receive funding in September 2021, at which time engineering plans can be completed and requests for proposals can be issued for bids, the release said.
“We are thrilled that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has chosen to fund this important project, and we look forward to being able to say that the city of Elyria has even more dedicated walking, biking, and activity spaces at all of our parks,” said Assistant Safety Service Director Ren Flanders.
“These investments continue to demonstrate that we’re on the right track and that our priorities for residents are worthwhile and necessary.
“The administration, as good stewards of city tax dollars, will keep exploring opportunities for additional grant funding to ensure the city continues to be able to invest in great improvements.”
Additional details will be available at cityofelyria.org as the project moves forward.