The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
The field of their dreams
Coronavirus-related funding rollbacks have delayed construction of community park
The ongoing work put into Painesville Township’s soonto-be community park at 115 Bowhall Road has seen contributions from a number of enthusiastic sources. Despite this sustained support, government funding has been drastically scaled back in the wake of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the community park has faced construction setbacks.
A statement released by the township addressed the new estimated opening date of summer 2021.
“We feel this a realistic timeline that will allow us to complete the projects we currently have funding for as well as seeking and securing additional funds and grants to complete the other projects we’d like to see be part of this park,” it read.
Township Administrator Michael Manary explained that they have raised approximately “one-third to half of the cost of the park through private donations.
“We had hoped that the rest would come from the state capital grant,” Manary said in an interview. “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is cutting back on those types of grants and redirecting the money, or in some cases, they no longer have the money. We’re going to continue to look for funding opportunities. One of the ones we thought would help get us over the finish line has become unavailable this year.” Manary added that he expects the state to reinstitute the capital grants in the future and that the park’s delay is only a shortterm setback.
“As you can imagine, progress was slowed substantially during the shutdown,” Township Trustee Gabe Cicconetti said. “I anticipate getting things rolling again here soon to get us closer to substantial improvements.”
The Cicconettis have been a driving force behind the park’s creation. Not only will it be named after Angelo Cicconetti, Lake County Dog Warden and three-term trustee, it has also seen $12,000 in funding from Angelo’s son, retired Painesville Municipal Court Judge Michael Cicconetti. Current Trustee Gabe Cicconetti, Angelo’s grandson, has also contributed $2,500.
In total, Gabe Cicconetti stated they have raised $94,500 to date. This is thanks in large part to Lubrizol, which donated $80,000 for the park’s completion.
The park, which will be located adjacent to the township’s Fire Station 2, is being touted by trustees as especially mindful of residents with disabilities. The new proposed construction for the park includes handicap access to both the eventual pavilion and certain playground equipment, according to a township statement. “When completed, we believe this park will be an amazing addition to the community serving all residents of Painesville Township, including those living with disabilities,” it stated. “There are not many parks offering this type of accessibility, so we are proud to bring it to our community.”
Township administration has also made it known that they are welcoming local businesses who would like to contribution to the park’s completion.