McDONALD — Village officials have received good news as the community is expected to receive more than $1.4 million in state funding for various park, sidewalk and street projects.

Mayor Ray Lewis told village council at its meeting Thursday of the awarded funds, noting it is the largest amount the village has ever received. Lewis said the village was informed by Eastgate Regional Council of Governments that it has been approved for $1,487,442.

Lewis said one project is two grants, one for $245,472 and the other $284,456 both from the Transportation Alternatives Program for a sidewalk improvement and replacement project on West Second Street from Ohio Avenue to the football stadium.

Lewis said the sidewalks will create a new route to the football stadium where there are no sidewalks or where they need to be replaced.

The other grant was a $948,514 Surface Transportation Block Grant for paving work on Olive and West Second streets and part of McDonald Avenue.

He said the grants do require a 20% match with KO Consulting helping the village apply for grant money to cover the local match.

Projects are to begin in 2027 and 2028.

In addition, Lewis said the village received word of a $16,000 grant from the Ohio History Connection state capital budget for the Millworkers Recreational Trail and other revitalization work at Woodland Park.

Lewis said the Millworkers Trail will highlight and pay homage to the millworkers and steelworkers over the years not only in the village, but the entire Mahoning Valley.

“This is a big deal for the village. This is the most grant money we have ever received and a great opportunity for the village,” Lewis said.

He said the park trail project will help highlight the village and the Mahoning Valley from World War II to more recent years.

A check presentation is set for 1:30 p.m. April 10 at Woodland Park with representatives of the Ohio History Connection and state representatives and senators scheduled to attend.

A representative of KO Consulting, which helps the village get grants, will attend a future council meeting to discuss the Millworkers Trail project.

COLUMBUS TRIP

In other business, Lewis reported on his trip to Columbus earlier this month with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s annual drive-in.

He said he spoke to state officials of ways to assist the village and attended a conference on data centers. Lewis said there is no data center coming to the village, but he wanted to be aware of all aspects of them since they are in the news more frequently.

“I wanted our state officials to know about McDonald and for the village to be more relevant on their maps. We are not going away,” Lewis said.

Lewis said he also attended a recent meeting of the Mahoning River Mayors Association, with discussion about the Girard Dam between Girard and McDonald and making the area near the dam available for recreational purposes.

Lewis said the dam is planned for removal, but the land there will be made available for any future industry use. He said the mayors want to see areas along the Mahoning River available for recreational use.

Council also gave second reading to placing a 4.5-mill, five-year safety services levy on the November ballot to raise funds for day-to-day operations of the fire and police departments. Officials said the levy will generate $310,000 annually.

Council also heard from resident Kathy Miskell, who asked if her 19-year-old special needs grandson, who is on the autism spectrum, would be able to use the splash pad, which limits the age of use to those under 13.

She said her grandson can use splash pads in Warren, Austintown and Mill Creek Park in Youngstown because they have no age limits. She has said the water is calming for him.

Miskell, who has made the same request at previous meetings, said the rules are different at the splash pads in Austintown, Cortland and Warren, and he is allowed to use those.

“McDonald’s is the only one with age restrictions. It is wrong,” she said, noting park attendants are there if there is a safety issue. The village splash pad was installed in 2015.

She asked councils’ park committee to discuss her request and reconsider removing the age restriction.

Lewis the park committee would need to have a discussion on the matter and then bring the issue before council.

He said the park committee had a discussion on the age restriction last year and decided it is for younger children.