[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6241883,"mediaKeyId","3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0","parentId",3252232,"title","Board discusses urban forestry grant, Arbor Day plantings and tree-planting corridors","audioSeconds",600,"startMs",3336000,"endMs",3936000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0&start=3336&end=3936","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0/thumbnail_3336000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241883/Ohio/Board-discusses-urban-forestry-grant-Arbor-Day-plantings-and-tree-planting-corridors","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241883-fc4190734cf38a06d218da6065620914/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166274&Signature=J6l-naqpjG6-cfqprfPV9NfJe3WqkIcxWaaX6~4bBjywNA0MEEsN-c8a7UdaJ-sOJd1y-2sfSahWv~~fPlvLoGN6tJVaH7Wy-qWyISYSVr8ZiPejl4ekLtF-4fMy65tDgLAJSK4oqOPuQy7vABXlKkAOTEpzcP4sjHP1IGZt3AzkqWEZ71NeHnprh2o5L1-YY-j22v4do3xJIuiYdP9owvhX4cPUcOEOF1McaJk9tfbJqiRWau9TbMEhnxGBDsw~NG2yEmfjr~fpF54~JIKSXSbBXqkzQEwhCg9O4Gi-sVslr6d5PbfVOXjmnd05KTucsxm3QJGsksh-Niz9M47O0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Middletown OH","date","2025-05-09T21:17:51.537Z","article","Middletown Park Board members reviewed progress on an urban forestry grant and related tree‑planting and Arbor Day activities at the April 10 meeting.

Staff reported a virtual meeting with Wendy Van Buren of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), who is preparing a formal planting plan tied to a grant that could fund tree purchases and corridor plantings. “Wendy Van Buren with ODNR, she offered to help us with some…we can purchase trees from the grant,” a Park Board speaker said; staff said Wendy is expected to deliver a draft plan by May.

Arbor Day and volunteer activity: board members said Keep Middletown Beautiful and partner organizations have lined up volunteers and corporate partners for Earth Day and Arbor Day activities. A recent event included students potting seedlings and organizations committed volunteers for cleanup and plantings. The board reported roughly 98 volunteers signed up for an upcoming cleanup, and volunteers and contractors will plant trees and perform park maintenance during the Earth Day weekend and Arbor Day events.

Staffing and tree work: park crews plan to perform pruning and maintenance in the coming months. Staff said they will issue an RFP for a citywide tree-risk and canopy assessment tied to the grant, and that some planting may be limited to eligible census tracts under the grant’s requirements. The board also discussed using its own gateway enhancement funds for tree plantings in areas outside grant eligibility.

Ending: staff said they will finalize the draft planting plan in coordination with ODNR and return with a recommended planting list; the board encouraged continued use of volunteers and corporate partners for planting and maintenance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Middletown Park Board Meeting (Audio Only) 04.14.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Park staff and board members reviewed an urban forestry grant planting plan being drafted by Wendy Van Buren (ODNR) for several corridors, discussed Arbor Day activities and volunteer plantings, and said staff will finalize a draft planting plan for May.","taxTitle","Middletown City Council, Middletown, Butler County, Ohio","taxId",68987,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241887,"Park board outlines funding picture: prior $2 million allocation, $1.6M in park impact fees available",2479,518000,2997000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0&start=518&end=2997","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0/thumbnail_518000.jpg","/articles/6241887/Ohio/Park-board-outlines-funding-picture-prior-2-million-allocation-16M-in-park-impact-fees-available","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241887-75aa3a4311efb476d7015d5580aaafff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166274&Signature=db6DA5XEk0GfnRdhepOTEi0BQ4~xMDvs08h9ZU58RgjtIh37wMJEFGRtG3EmJM9KNP7vnbvlg9NnC3w4UPO~S8G1cN6oXL2CmIwba-6zQEiefyW36jtoGCv6NU4SOU21wo5m1JChUBeJ3xRMCTGDgkh8sJNGN72j8MQXF7crwA8GdAmbnFnMcpACj4giLHfrTpACJ-sXvcC4rSUXPFC9--PUfmLUBemJlqWOuEP-rXVw9iHPRcdGAxkhW3tTnNDLuqfZFKN6~2-McAa4oVg8gdLC6yOarGaPNi0e~9Q7aWJkypXbrM3P-ON2PwcGccIIqTin71eqIIkQabmXzjSVdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the April 10 meeting, park leaders reviewed the broader funding context that shapes maintenance and capital projects across the city’s 28 neighborhood parks.

Board members noted the city received an approximately $2 million park allocation two years ago and that about two-thirds of that money has been committed to park projects such as Sherman and Goldman. Scott (park board member) and other members reminded the meeting that there is no permanent park funding mechanism; parks are funded from the city’s general fund and occasional one‑time allocations. A park impact fee—collected at roughly $500 per new residential unit—was discussed as an accumulating source of funds; board members said approximately $1.6 million was held in an impact fee account, though growth has been modest recently.

Why it matters: board members said limited annual maintenance budgets require prioritization and that citizen engagement with City Council is important to increase funding. “My ask of you and these wonderful other 30 neighbors or 40 neighbors that have signed this is to communicate with your council,” a board member told resident petitioners who attended the meeting.

Budget specifics and constraints: staff reported typical annual maintenance funds are limited and used mostly for repairs, while larger projects or replacements require Council appropriations. The Park Board is advisory and recommends funding priorities to City Council, which has final authority. Board members discussed potential uses of impact fees and whether the city’s legal definition of “new” versus “replacement” could affect eligibility for impact-fee spending; they said they would seek clarification from city management and legal staff.

Ending: The Park Board encouraged residents to attend City Council meetings or email council members to advocate for parks funding; staff said they will seek formal guidance on how impact fees may be applied to replacements vs. new projects.","Board members reviewed the park budget and impact-fee revenue, noting a prior $2 million allocation two years earlier (two-thirds committed) and about $1.6 million in park impact fees currently held; board urged residents to contact City Council to influence future park funding decisions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241892,"Resident urges repair, not removal, of Michigan Park playground; park board staff to inspect",767,236000,1003000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0&start=236&end=1003","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0/thumbnail_236000.jpg","/articles/6241892/Ohio/Resident-urges-repair-not-removal-of-Michigan-Park-playground-park-board-staff-to-inspect","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241892-5b8106e857582e3a13a293f309623797/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166274&Signature=JsAtm3~0HyjCgdlOUhgl9rG2vsbmWI10HH2XzQI-Ns6yqpyXZWhoMSyTtvG1qd0~CrzPFnGzDkFt9wPnZYf7fNvl4-fV0y75eMzBUxmuVzrgN7LEfdJhzR0dSRRsvRHYOtTGkTWgMy59KpCzZBCfYbeaV71OlAV-Y50DWIehsiIhHbMRSgLQwiN6GQuf2eU1wg28PlEyZ6Qgm6JxlFQ~46YF2~N6UB~0iGrsJ67FeAvg2bMFXD7n1YCS4ongC11t00M46ku5wkRA7NQZ~p6EIzJHZG6tC1WhDZ2y0ItHLlciL8CsDr2xT5BTj3RmpRcoad217eQkexbAqMfHLDjwVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Middletown resident told the Park Board on April 10 she had collected signed petitions from neighbors asking the board and council to repair the playground at Michigan Park rather than remove it.

“My name is Coretta Haynes. I am a homeowner and resident of Littleton, Ohio,” Coretta Haynes said as she presented petitions and photos showing minor rust and wear on a jungle-gym at Michigan Park. Haynes asked that the equipment be repaired and painted so children can continue to use the park while replacement is considered for a future budget year.

Park staff acknowledged the resident’s concerns and described safety and maintenance facts. Board members said the playground is 25-plus years old and that an inspection last fall found safety issues; staff had placed caution tape on the equipment at that time. Charlie Kent (parks staff) said some structural supports have aged and certain areas cannot simply be sanded without weakening them further.

Board staff and members encouraged the resident to document needed repairs and to bring the petition to City Council if she wished. Park staff offered to review the photos and to follow up. “The last thing we would want to do is take stuff out and then just leave it vacant,” a board member told Haynes, noting neighborhood advocacy helps prioritize funding. Staff agreed to revisit the playground’s condition and explore whether limited repairs—painting, sanding small rust spots—or temporary fixes would be safe while the board and Council consider replacement budgets.

Why it matters: Haynes and other neighbors said children use the park frequently and requested that the board avoid removing equipment without ensuring an immediate replacement or interim repairs. Staff said permanent replacement decisions depend on available funding and capital priorities, and that the Park Board is advisory to City Council on funding approvals.

Next steps: staff will attempt to obtain and share Haynes’s email submission of photos with maintenance crews, re-inspect the playground, and report back to the resident and the board; Haynes was encouraged to attend council meetings or contact council members to support park funding requests.","A homeowner presented signed petitions asking the Park Board to repair the jungle-gym at Michigan Park rather than remove it; staff said the structure failed a safety inspection last fall and will revisit inspection and repair possibilities and follow up with the resident.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241897,"Oakland Park splash pad: $537,000 final price to go before council; splash pad to remain open until replacement",163,3131000,3294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0&start=3131&end=3294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0/thumbnail_3131000.jpg","/articles/6241897/Ohio/Oakland-Park-splash-pad-537000-final-price-to-go-before-council-splash-pad-to-remain-open-until-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241897-7855ba3d7fe3517efa2735d04ca1b2c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166274&Signature=eLul3V-etnYb6XS3AwZsy8dic3VzvF8-UMMBcT4iabwVZqYOqnIfjoxND92UpnIQzy59UdRZGgest3Hkr1ngiFRoTfrDFiA9IHB7vL71Tbiri2428vqFiRJup75XDSHGSp8zTi7PZxknkZkKk2DpRf2i76LdxsWmxcfetCYDH6IxwRxP7-wqQ5VSdqJpmNsCf5HsFjTE0LOoWYV23tc1Aiswp70CqOFEj4x2lsQgvor6bv9MT~9QEpR9A0FAlxU1LEj9C0BHNKBGiPorHLMXgxX5LlXXoC-SrKd59fviN2VGvdp9NALvwdsQiixp3drqjk53dERx9HDHLC1o6AI2EQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Park staff told the Middletown Park Board on April 10 that the final purchase price to install a new splash pad at Oakland Park is approximately $537,000 and that the project will be presented to City Council for approval.

The board heard that $500,000 of the cost is expected to come from park funds, and staff said the difference would be covered through other identified funding so the Park Board allocation would not need to cover the full amount. “We got the final pricing in for the splash pad. It was approximately 537,000,” Scott (park board member) said. He told members that management planned to present the project to City Council the next night, and that construction timing aims for summer completion.

Procurement and contractor: staff said the vendor is Pensura, the same company used for playground equipment, and that the purchase is being made under an existing state purchasing contract. A design consultant is assisting to ensure mechanical systems and layout address issues experienced with the previous splash pad. Staff said the new splash pad will have all‑new mechanical systems and a separate mechanical cabinet located adjacent to—but not inside—the existing building.

Schedule and continuity: staff said the existing splash pad will remain open while the new pad is built and that the board’s preferred timetable is completion by mid‑ to late summer; estimates mentioned July–August targets but noted that final completion will depend on procurement and construction timing. The splash pad and related shelter work will move forward after City Council approval.

Why it matters: the board emphasized that the procurement follows state contract rules and that a design consultant is included to reduce risk of early mechanical failures experienced previously. The board also noted related shelter and concrete work that has delayed some site tasks and may push the overall timeline later than originally hoped.

Ending: The Park Board expected the council presentation shortly after the meeting and staff said they will coordinate construction sequencing so one splash pad remains available while the new facility is installed.","Park staff presented a $537,000 final price for a new splash pad at Oakland Park and said $500,000 will come from the park budget with remaining funds to be found from other sources; the project is scheduled to go to City Council for approval.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241902,"Park board flags nearly $1 million in Goldman Park costs; field-leveling quote to go to council",502,1639000,2141000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0&start=1639&end=2141","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3252232-d810d2c2786fd44372fddc3a1719add0/thumbnail_1639000.jpg","/articles/6241902/Ohio/Park-board-flags-nearly-1-million-in-Goldman-Park-costs-field-leveling-quote-to-go-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241902-5d349079c65ced2649cba67db49caca5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166274&Signature=eyMN5IajWH8JyZUl~5NoOZyrqUXQZvgxvdrgCOL49fPS3CKtaaizWpMdQ2K28I~wb0V3yulNlzZKyG7X1BhMNb3RrY7dsbYguv9Rqn2KVo3ketM45bhDH93GrTI3IdujPsyvXqaYhQVoCliGS7Vb~XM-R-ua~JOoTvj686WXHPBiGASIWTSC2eUJ~cjt-2MjA39dLrvTiwOwj1glLQBccVsarYe6C9SmoRPnI2fI-d7ktXtwWC3d7JwKIwLbtuKCyQlAfcmUhkVvbl9Mdq4gaIu1pnAvfyrZxpB~gIoMWvUR0mlBQyA1mO24l1RAr79EljNNhiIyoYTVroBhaxLshA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middletown Park Board on April 10 discussed escalating costs at Goldman Park, where building repairs, playground replacements and a quoted field-leveling project together push total spending close to $1 million.

The board’s financial summary showed about $732,000 carried into the year and new costs for building repairs and site improvements. “We had, like, I think, approximately 732,000 adjusted going into this year,” Scott (park board member) said while reviewing the updated financials. Board members said a contractor quoted about $351,000 to level the playing fields at Goldman, and two more bids were pending.

Why it matters: the field-leveling price is large enough that board members said council approval will be required. “At that price, it has to go to City Council for approval,” Scott said. Board members said they expect to present updated quotes to the Park Board at the next meeting and then refer a recommendation to City Council if they decide to move forward.

Board members and staff described multiple construction items already underway: a completed roof replacement and extensive electrical work inside the building, interior renovations by Hubert Contracting (reported contract $74,006.52), new restrooms previously installed, glass-blocking of windows, repairs for termite damage and replacement of one water-fountain unit. Staff reported additional unplanned electrical expense beyond the line item in the financials.

Contractor and operations details: park staff said electricians had to remove improperly run conduit on the roof before reinstalling wiring safely; the contractor’s initial approach had routed conduit across the roof and under insulation and shingles. Scott said the building work is nearly complete but that further electric tie‑ins and a replacement drinking fountain (estimated $1,500–$2,000) remain.

Playing-field impacts: park leaders noted field leveling must be timed around the July 1 schedule for seasonal play; the board suggested action be decided at the next meeting to meet construction windows. The board also flagged ancillary repairs—parking-lot striping, fence fixes, and sod protection during trash collection—that affect field usability and user groups such as Midway, which may need alternative fields if Goldman is taken offline.

Public-use concerns: a board member said some teams cannot play at Goldman because field size and configuration do not fit older age groups, and that Midway and other partners are coordinating use agreements for alternate fields.

Next steps: the Park Board will collect remaining bids for the leveling work, decide whether to recommend moving forward at the next board meeting, and, if approved by the board, forward the matter to City Council for formal approval because of the project’s scale.

Board comments included caution about combining several high-cost items from a single funding pot: “That’s probably close to a million dollars for Goldman,” Scott said, summarizing the combined scope of playground, building and field work.

Ending: The board set an expectation of updated bids and a formal council referral if a move-forward decision is made; no binding council action occurred at the April 10 meeting.","Middletown Park Board members reviewed construction and repair work at Goldman Park, including a $351,000 field-leveling quote and roughly $1 million in cumulative costs for building repairs, playground work and field improvements; board members said the field-leveling project will require City Council approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board discusses urban forestry grant, Arbor Day plantings and tree-planting corridors

Park board outlines funding picture: prior $2 million allocation, $1.6M in park impact fees available

Resident urges repair, not removal, of Michigan Park playground; park board staff to inspect

Oakland Park splash pad: $537,000 final price to go before council; splash pad to remain open until replacement

Park board flags nearly $1 million in Goldman Park costs; field-leveling quote to go to council