MECCA — The township is seeking an Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks grant that will be used for a proposed sensory trail at the park.

Resident Tara Gladd said a sensory trail could be used by people of all abilities and be Americans With Disabilities Act compliant, making it accessible to those in wheelchairs or with walkers. Gladd said the trail can have items for touch and sound, such as wind chimes and drums. She said for sight, there can be a butterfly and pollinator garden.

Gladd said the reimbursable grant would be 75-25, with the project costing between $60,000 and $87,000 with the local share of $22,000, which can be paid over two years.

Trustees will review the idea for more discussion at the June meeting.

Gladd told trustees the grant application is due by July 1.

In other business, former trustee Greg Chopko said the Mecca Historical Society and the Trumbull County Historical Society have applied for an Ohio historical marker for the Erie Dearie fishing lure that originated in the township.

Chopko said the township should know by August if the historical marker has been approved.

He said also in the works is a sign from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to be placed at the northeast corner of the causeway by the fishing bait shop, noting Mosquito Lake State Park and the fishing lure.

Chopko said everything is in the preliminary stage and nothing has been finalized for the sign from ODNR, but it could note the park’s picnic area, pier and parking area.

Domes said there also has been initial discussion of a proposed handicapped-accessible ramp to the pier.

250TH ANNIVERSARY

Resident Wanda Tolley said the county historical society is planning to celebrate America250 by highlighting something from each Trumbull County township, city and village. She said Monty’s By the Lake in Mecca is being highlighted with details that will be shared with the public about the restaurant.

Trustee Dan Gladd said plans are for Mecca to celebrate the 250th with the planting of a tree at the park with a plaque to be placed there.

Trustee Christen Clemson said Community Day at the Park will be July 25, which will incorporate America250 activities.

MECCA CIRCLE

Trustees also have heard from resident Kathy Brunstetter on the Mecca Circle project. She said she has begun to order supplies and hopes to start on the project by mid-May.

Trustees said they are available to help on the project.

In other business, residents asked about the status of the updated comprehensive plan.

Trustee Chairman Tom Domes said the county planning commission is actively working on the inventory phase of the plan that will then guide the development of the plan moving forward. He said the goal is to move to community engagement in the near future.

Domes said planning commission officials plan to notify the township to host public meetings on the plan.