Much progress at MacArthur Park

SANDUSKY — Local officials provided a major update in reference to the ongoing overhaul of MacArthur Park, which includes Churchwell Park, off West Perkins Avenue in Sandusky. Here's the latest rundown with statements provided by city officials on the Sandusky government's Facebook page: • "The playground equipment has been installed at Churchwell Park, and concrete for the walking paths should be coming in soon. Once complete later this year, the park will include a walking path, playground, splash pad, new trees and other amenities." • "Crews are also working on (the) installation of a new sewer line along West Forest Drive." • "These projects are part of the South Side neighborhood plan, which was adopted a couple of years ago. The goal is to create new housing in the neighborhood — but, before doing so, all the old and outdated infrastructure must be replaced, which is why we are doing these sewer and water projects first." Officials didn't provide any firm dates for when construction on these tasks could end and when future phases would begin. Though they promised to provide regular progress reports on any and all substantial developments there. "Thank you to the residents of the neighborhood for working with us so well and for their patience as we know this project has been disruptive," the statement read. Making sense of the dollars and cents The overall project breaks down into several different components and, subsequently, ways of getting funded. With two main portions simultaneously underway right now, here's how it looks: 1. Churchwell Park improvements, which include a new playground, walking path, tree plantings and splash pad; The task totals about $1.2 million broken down with: • $1.1 million from the federal government • $69,000 from the state government Note: No local funds are contributing toward this portion. 2. MacArthur Park improvements, encompassing Churchwell Park, which include utility upgrades extending to Camp Street; The task totals $2.5 million broken down with: • $2.3 million from the federal government • $152,000 from the city government Furthermore, local officials designated about $1 million in additional funds to design both projects. The money came from a combination of city funds and a grant from the Erie County Health Department. Officials hope to finish both of these initiatives by sometime later this year. Upon completion, future phases of work will occur, however, cost estimates have not been provided, and funding streams have not been identified. Those upcoming tasks will occur on South Forest, North Forest, East Forest and Parkview drives. What's the reason? 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 largely 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. 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 ongoing tasks introduce wide-sweeping changes to upgrade public gathering spots. The goal? Promoting physical and mental health for those who live and visit there and make this area a more desirable place for new, existing and prospective residents in this neighborhood. 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.