Lawrence County asks University of Cincinnati to craft countywide parks and recreation plan

President Colton Copley and the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on March 18, 2025, asking the University of Cincinnati School of Architecture to develop a countywide comprehensive parks and recreation plan for Lawrence County at no cost to the county.

The resolution requests that the university select and study recreation and park needs across the county and produce a comprehensive plan that will include public and community meetings, sustainability analysis and funding strategies. Commissioners described the project as countywide in scope and said the university’s participation should strengthen future grant and funding prospects.

Dylan, a staff member, told commissioners the School of Architecture is among the nation’s leading programs and that the project will be intensive and include a series of public meetings. Commissioners said the university’s national reputation and the countywide approach were reasons to pursue the partnership.

Vice President Deanna Holliday said the university’s involvement could help “tie the entire county together with trails and outdoor recreation,” and commissioners discussed seeking plans that include sustainable revenue or self-supporting elements so facilities remain maintained over time. Commissioners also cited the prospect that the university’s backing could improve the county’s competitiveness for future funding once a formal plan exists.

The board voted 3–0 to adopt the resolution. County staff confirmed during the meeting that the project will be provided at no cost to Lawrence County.

Next steps identified by commissioners include coordinating community engagement and scheduling presentations by the university once a project timeline is finalized. No implementation timeline or specific funding commitments for construction or capital projects were established during the meeting.