Findlay staff seek $3.9 million to finish downtown recreation-area design; pedestrian bridge remains costly and contentious

Mary, staff member, told the Findlay City Park and Recreation Board on June 3 that the 30% design for the downtown recreation area is complete and that staff will ask City Council for $3,900,000 to finish design and engineering work.

The design team, Mary said, prioritizes flood mitigation while adding recreational amenities including a splash pad, an 18,000-square-foot playground with accessible turf, a 21,000-square-foot regional skate park, expanded promenade and a multiuse lawn and stage. "The primary focus of this is flood mitigation," Mary said, adding the design uses tiered benching and riparian plantings to absorb and shed floodwaters.

Why it matters: The project is large in scope and cost, affects the South Bank and East and West sides of Main Street, and must comply with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hydraulic requirements. City staff said some elements — especially a proposed 450-foot pedestrian suspension bridge — are the most expensive components and are tightly linked to FEMA approvals and future project phasing.

Key details and costs - Mary said staff needs "an additional $3,900,000" to complete the remaining design and engineering for site development, South Bank improvements, Anchor Dog Park and related…