BAZETTA — Township officials have laid out plans for the removal of the 30-year-old Imagination Station, which will be replaced by a new play area for children.

Trustee Chairman Mike Hovis said the play area has outlived its lifespan and needs to be replaced for safety reasons. He said officials have looked at options to replace the play area and what costs are involved.

Trustees at the June meeting approved Snider Recreational Inc. of North Royalton at $291,980 to demolish Imagination Station and install the replacement equipment that includes play panels, a tunnel, clubhouse, swings and climbing units. The funds will come from a grant.

Trustee Mike Morelli said costs to replace Imagination Station, which was originally installed in the mid-1990s, are more than $100,000. Officials sought grants and received help from Sen. Sandra O’Brien, R-Lenox, who helped the township get $300,000.

Hovis said 2% of the grant the township has to repay to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources with the township able to use the remaining $294,000.

“We understand that Imagination Station has impacted many people’s lives. It is heartbreaking for us to have to see it come down. We need to use this money now or we are looking at having a grassy area with picnic tables because we do not have any other funding options,” Hovis said.

Resident Marsha Croft said she recently took her grandchildren to Imagination Station where she learned of plans to tear it down.

“It is one of a kind,” she said.

She said she learned from officials it has structural problems but will be replaced by play equipment that is handicapped accessible and all inclusive for children of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs. Croft said the play area at nearby Mosquito Lake has a wheelchair accessible swing and other special play units.

Trustee Bob McBride said some repairs have been made to Imagination Station since 2019.

“We have been limping it along for the past five to six years making repairs. Our insurance carrier is no longer going to insure it because of the age so there is concern if someone gets hurt on it,” Hovis said.

He said Imagination Station will officially close after Labor Day with contractors having two months to demolish the current play area and install the new playground equipment.

He said this will be the first phase of the project, with officials looking at possible attempts to get other grant money or capital budget funds if available.

“We have been asking for more money,” Hovis said.

Trustees said grants are very competitive. An attempt was made last year to get a $1.8 million safety grant, but the township’s request was turned down.

“It was a home run for the township to get what it could,” Hovis said.

Morelli said some parts of the play area that are newer and safe will remain.