Findlay could break ground on new park by 2027

FINDLAY — Findlay could break ground on its new downtown recreation area by 2027. Mayor Christina Muryn delivered an update on the project at a Park & Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was livestreamed and can be viewed on the city's YouTube channel: Findlay Ohio. It is also available on the city's website: www.findlayohio.gov. A "fly through" video, developed by Strand & Associates, Inc., Columbus, project engineers, can also be viewed on the city's website. The cost for all of the amenities presented to the board would be between $30.4 and $37.8 million in "2027 dollars," depending on the options selected by the city — and the community's children. Residents are asked to help Findlay's children complete an online survey about the downtown park's playground. The survey is also available on the city's website. In December 2023, Findlay City Council voted to appropriate $1.5 million to contract with Strand & Associates, Inc., to begin design and engineering services. On Tuesday, Muryn said she plans to ask Findlay City Council to approve the additional $3.9 million needed to finish the design and engineering work. Muryn said the park "makes the river an asset and not a liability." "The benching area is expected to flood a few days each year. My goal is to ensure that the other 355-plus days, it serves as a usable community asset. All amenities currently under consideration are designed to withstand flooding and allow for easy cleanup afterward, ensuring they do not negatively impact our primary focus of flood mitigation," Muryn said in a press release issued by her office after the board meeting. Park amenities reviewed during the meeting included: • 2.5 miles of multi-use paths • 320-plus trees and meadow areas • An 18,000 square foot playground designed for children of all abilities • A 21,000 square foot skate park • A discovery play/peace garden • Outdoor eating areas • Shelter houses and restrooms • A 4,400 square foot splash pad • A 5,700 square foot multipurpose stage capable of hosting a full orchestra, workout classes, and educational programming • River access points for kayaking and fishing One of the most costly elements of the park is a proposed 460-foot suspension bridge for pedestrians, estimated to cost between $7.3 million and $7.8 million. Muryn said the suspension design and wide span, both meant to minimize impact on the flow of the Blanchard River during a flood, are driving the cost. The bridge would connect East Front Street to the north side of the river. "I understand this is a significant cost, and we do not take that lightly. The decision we have to make is: do we believe a pedestrian bridge in this location provides a meaningful benefit to the area now and into the future? If the answer is yes, then we must acknowledge that it will come at a cost to ensure it meets the design constraints of this space," said Muryn. Adding a bridge in the future may not be feasible due to floodplain rules, she said. "Advancing these efforts now allows time for fundraising through private donations, public and private grants, and setting aside city funds over the coming years," Muryn said. In addition, Muryn said the city plans to reconstruct the existing south bank riverwalk in 2026, explore the potential for a dog park at the existing Anchor Park properties, and fully rebuild Clinton Court as part of the final phase of the downtown recreation area enhancements. On Tuesday, Muryn said plans for the south bank will most likely advance, even if the recreation area doesn't. Known as the "Downtown North River Development Project," the park will cover approximately 19 acres on the north side of the Blanchard River, stretching from the river north to Clinton Court, with Cory Street as its western boundary and ending at the railroad tracks to the east. There will also be enhancements to the south bank of the river. All amenities will be designed to withstand flooding. This project is part of the larger "benching" project along the Blanchard River, meant to increase the river's capacity during floods. Work is expected to begin on the final three major flood mitigation projects in 2025. The cost of the mitigation projects is expected to be $104 million and includes an estimated cost of $75 million for the Eagle Creek flood basin, $5 million for the next leg of benching, $17 million for the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge project and a $7 million contingency. In total, local flood mitigation efforts are expected to reduce floodwater levels during a 100-year flood by three feet in downtown Findlay, removing over 2,000 parcels from the floodplain. Muryn said this will significantly reduce flood risk for thousands of properties and lower, or eliminate, the need for flood insurance.