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WEATHERSFIELD -- The township has been awarded a $500,000 capital improvement grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for improvements at the township park.
Trustee Chairman Steve Gerberry said the Ohio Legislature appropriated capital improvement funding through Senate Bill 450 for 2027 and 2028 to support community parks, recreation and conservation projects.
He said the grant will be for a pavilion, restroom facilities, parking and other improvements to enhance the park located off state Route 46.
Township officials previously sought state funding for a multijurisdictional building at the park to be used for law enforcement training and other uses, but that project was more expensive than expected, including local matches the township would have to provide. Because the township could only use those funds for that project, the money had to be returned.
"We applied for new money in the same amount for a different park project," said Trustee Ed Whittaker.
Gerberry said the new money can be used for other park improvements but on a smaller scale.
WATER TRAIL SUPPORT
Trustees at their August meeting also approved a resolution supporting the designation of the Mahoning River Water Trail Extension by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and supporting the regional efforts to enhance recreational, historical and economic opportunities along the river.
Gerberry said officials recognize that the Mahoning River is one of the Mahoning Valley's most significant natural resources and its importance to the environment.
The Trumbull County MetroParks, in partnership with the Western Reserve Port Authority, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, Mahoning River Corridor Initiative and Mahoning River Corridors Mayors Association and numerous local governments, has submitted an application to ODNR seeking designation of the Mahoning River Water Trail Extension, which would extend the water trail from Packard Park in Warren to the Pennsylvania state line.
Trustees said the proposed extension is the result of years of planning and regional cooperation among municipalities, park districts and other public agencies dedicated to improving public access to the Mahoning River and promoting safe recreational opportunities.
Gerberry said extending the water trail will allow local communities to pursue state, federal and private grant opportunities for constructing canoe and kayak launches, trailhead facilities, safety improvements, signage and river access points.
"The Mahoning River goes through the township. We support the efforts of communities along the river who want to work together and seek funding for boat launches, walking trails and other improvements that will make the river more useful to the public,'' Gerberry said.
He said the proposed water trail will encourage outdoor recreation, paddlesports and heritage tourism, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the river in a safe and organized manner.
Weathersfield does not have a designated launch facility along the proposed extension.
Gerberry said township residents would benefit from convenient access to nearby launch sites and recreational amenities located throughout the proposed trail corridor, expanding opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, wildlife observation and other outdoor recreational activities.
Whittaker said most communities that have the Mahoning River flowing through have supported similar motions.