New playground, splash pad coming to park

SANDUSKY — A plan to radically transform a populated residential neighborhood with recreational amenities recently took a major step forward. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners approved the first wave of improvements coming to Churchwell Park. Enhancing the neighborhood surrounding a public park represents a major component in a yearslong quest to upgrade the South Side neighborhood. All upgrades stem from a thorough planning process kick-started in 2023, which included public meetings about what people sought for this space. Officials incorporated many ideas provided by community members into a plan. Phase 1 costs total about $1.05 million, fully funded by the federal government: • $925,000 comes from the American Rescue Plan Act funds; Stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, these funds help local communities, like Sandusky, rebound from the pandemic. • $125,000 comes from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources from the federal Inflation Reduction Act Urban Forestry grant program. An additional $450,000 earmark, completely covered by state funds, helped kick off this planning purpose. Regarding future phases, people should note specific projects, cost estimates, funding sources and timelines will be announced in the future by city commissioners. It's not known when this could occur. Many are looking forward to these upgrades. "The South Side plan revitalizes and reactivates an important and historic neighborhood in Sandusky," city ex officio mayor Dick Brady said. "Our staff knew when we began the process of planning for this that we had to get it right for the people who live here. This meant spending time in this area getting to know the residents and what they desired for their neighborhood. The result is a plan that breathes life into a neighborhood that has been neglected for far too long." Context into Churchwell Park In 2023, those representing the Erie County Health Department and Sandusky's government jointly agreed to pursue a project bolstering Churchwell Park. In recent years, to spruce up surroundings, many abandoned, blighted and/or decrepit homes within MacArthur Park came crashing down through demolition jobs ordered by the city government. The new initiative introduces wide-sweeping changes to upgrade public gathering spots. The goal? Promoting physical and mental health for those who live and visit there. Both Churchwell and MacArthur parks fall within the South Side neighborhood, one of several residential areas city officials have identified for improvements in their ongoing neighborhood initiative plan. Boundaries of the neighborhood include Mills Street to the west; Seavers Way to the north; Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) to the east; and Perkins Avenue to the south. This area will also concentrate in the area north on Mills Street, Camp Street and Hayes Avenue. Addressing the amenities Here are the project's most pertinent details with information provided by city public works director Aaron Klein: • The demand: "Improvements to Churchwell Park was a main topic of discussion in the South Side plan community engagement process and was adopted as one of the main goals of the plan. This was also an item in the Bicentennial Plan several years ago, but property acquisition took time to piece together. Primary components identified as needs for the park included new play equipment — designed for ages 2-12 — a splash pad and a walking loop. After the adoption of the South Side plan, we conducted additional engagement with residents and kids to further define these priorities and finalize the design." • The locations: "The splash pad and playground will be placed in the southwest corner of the available space near the shelter that will remain and the existing playground that will be removed. The walking trail will sinuously (twist/curve) span the perimeter of the open lawn area while leaving space available for athletics in the center or park expansion on the outside." Note: As part of this project, crews must move two street light poles and utility lines to maximize space and keep everyone safe. "We don't want to install a splash pad over a gas main for many reasons," Klein said. "Therefore, as we proceed toward final layout, there are certain sections of existing infrastructure that need to be relocated to accommodate those amenities that the residents desire." • The timeline: "It is likely that work will begin early in 2025 and be completed before Memorial Day. We will know more once we have a contractor on board." • The other amenities: "In addition to the splash pad and playground, there will be a walking path, resurfacing of the basketball court, drinking fountain, landscaping, lighting and trees. We may be able to resurface the parking lot and/or provide a shade structure if funds allow." • The future phases: "Along with Churchwell Park improvements, housing was a priority that arose in the South Side plan process. As part of the same project that led to the park design, the city is replacing much of the infrastructure in the surrounding McArthur Park area. Phase 1 of the infrastructure improvements — such as sewer, water, streets and sidewalks — will remove barriers to new housing development and increase livability in existing residences along West Forest and Camp streets. North Forest, South Forest, East Forest and Parkview drives are the next areas of focus for infrastructure improvements starting in 2025. Beyond that, future phases of Churchwell Park are expected to activate the north end of the property with additional parking and amenities. While future park improvements are identified in concept, there is not a timeline or budget assigned to them at this time."