Decision time near for downtown park plans

It's nearing decision time on plans for Findlay's new downtown recreation area. In the months ahead, plans for each element of the park will be decided, with the help of city residents. Construction could begin in 2027. In December 2023, Findlay City Council voted to appropriate $1.5 million to contract with Strand & Associates, Inc., Columbus, to begin the first 30% of the design and engineering services for the park, known as the "Downtown North River Development Project." Mayor Christina Muryn said the fee makes up the bulk of the cost for the design work. The recreational area is being designed to exist within the Blanchard River's flood zone. It includes public properties on North Main Street, Clinton Court, Jefferson Street, Taylor Street, Meeks Avenue, Meeks Court and North Cory Street. In all, the park would cover about 19 acres on the north side of the river, with the south bank river walk being redone and Anchor Park, located at 215 East St., being converted to a dog park. Cory Street will be the westernmost boundary of the park, and to the east, the park will end at the railroad tracks. The park will stretch from the Blanchard River north to Clinton Court. "Designs are ongoing with the refinement of each element ongoing. This process is estimated to take about 18 months to complete. City administrators are currently giving feedback on the designs," Muryn said. Specific elements of the park will then be made available for public feedback. "This initial design phase allows us to begin refining each element to get a better cost estimate," she said. "Initial cost estimates of $10 million to $40 million are a very basic, low-cost version, versus all elements at a high-end level," Muryn said. All proposals will include a 10% contingency fund and a cost escalation amount until construction can begin. So far, plans for the river's south bank include a river walk and access points. The north side of the river would be heavily planted with trees and shrubs. The main park area will be on the east side of Main Street. Plans call for two main playground areas. There would be a traditional playground area and a "natural element" wooded playground. A splash pad is also part of the plan. There are also ideas for a new bridge entrance into the park, an amphitheater with a yard area to accommodate about 2,000 people, and shelterhouse areas on the north side of the park. A 20,000-square-foot skate park is planned for the west side of Main Street. The entire park will have security lighting, cameras and a speaker system. How the park finally comes together will depend on funding and how Findlay City Council decides to proceed. The project could be phased in over several years, starting with landscaping and then moving on to the river walk, kayak launches, parking lots, playgrounds, bathrooms, etc. Larger additions, like the pedestrian bridge, skate park, etc., would come in the final phase. However, a one-time "mobilization" would include efficiencies that could save money, Muryn said. In December, Findlay City Council voted to create a 30-year tax increment finance district (TIF) in the downtown area that would generate about $10 million to establish the park. Ohio allows for the redirection of real estate property taxes generated by a development project to pay for public infrastructure and in some cases private improvements. Property tax revenue is shared by public entities, including the schools, Hancock County, the city, the park district and the library. These entities would continue to receive tax revenue based on current valuation; however, any gains in the property taxes due to the development would be diverted to the TIF. As proposed, no funds will be diverted from the schools. The city also plans to pursue grants and donations.