CHAMPION — Township trustees told a group of more than 20 residents this week they are not selling the former Central School property off Mahoning Avenue.

Trustee Chairman Doug Emerine said at Tuesday’s meeting that despite what may have been posted on social media or what people in the community may be saying, the nine-acre property is not being sold.

The township obtained ownership of the former property from the Champion Local School District when a new elementary school was constructed north of that location.

He said the property needs work on the parking lot, which would cost $100,000 to repair, in addition to other needed work at the site, which would cost more than $350,000. He said if the property were to be used as a park, there would be costs for restrooms and concession stands.

“We do not have half a million to put into that property,” Emerine said.

He said the township would also have trouble getting grants for work there since the local match required the township would likely not be able to meet.

Trustee Rick York said that if the trustees decide to sell the property in the future, soccer programs that use the land would be a top priority.

Emerine said that when residents were surveyed about what they would like to see at the site, there were suggestions for a swimming pool, splash pad and pickleball courts.

“Right now, we are not selling the Central School property. I am not saying we are never going to sell it, but we are not selling it today,” Emerine said.

Trustee Tom Jeffers said the priority for the township is to get a fire levy on the May 5 primary ballot passed. He said he is also concerned if property tax collections are abolished, which will hurt townships.

“My concerns are what will happen to the township after elections in May and November than that property now,” Jeffers said.

Emerine said the idea of having a park in the township has been discussed for years, but residents have said they would not support a levy to cover the costs.

The district closed the 100-year-old school in spring 2018 with the opening of the new PK-8 school complex on state Route 45.

The township previously sold 22 acres of land north of the cemetery to the school district for $106,000 for the new school complex. In exchange, the district transferred the Central School property to the township. The district did retain a nearby bus garage property.

The former school property was discussed by trustees in recent years as a possible location for a park or a new fire station.

Emerine said residents have said at past meetings they were concerned about costs to maintain a park and vandalism and damage concerns.

Emerine said if the property were to be offered for sale, it would be done through a Realtor or public auction.

“The property will never be given away,” he said.

In other business, Emerine said exercise equipment stations will be installed at township property north of the cemetery for public use. Work on the exercise station will begin in June.

Emerine said the project was spearheaded by former Trustee Rex Fee.

He said there will also be a sidewalk from the nearby school property to where the exercise equipment will be.

Officials said a grant is covering the cost for the project.

Emerine said in the future a survey may be sent out to residents asking what they would want to have in the township.

He said he hopes for public response. In a 2018 survey, only 11% of the community participated.

Emerine said local historical societies have learned a decorated Civil War veteran is buried in the township cemetery.

He said officials are looking for the location, and once found, there are plans for a commemorative headstone.