Milford council okays application for Clermont County park grant; staff to pursue pickleball courts

The Milford City Council on March 4 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to submit a Community Parks Improvement Grant application to the Clermont County Park District to partially reimburse park-improvement expenses; the city may seek up to $20,000 under the program.

City Manager Gunderson told council he met with the county parks district about the grant and said Milford “has the opportunity to receive up to $20,000 for park improvements.” He recommended applying with a proposal for four pickleball courts, preferably at Riverside 2 because of proximity to downtown retail and restaurants.

Council discussed whether the application must list a specific site. Gunderson said the grant form does not require a precise location and that staff can leave the site flexible; the application requests a photograph of the proposed project site, however. Gunderson named Sem Park and its existing tennis courts as an option staff had discussed for resurfacing if the city pursues court construction or upgrades.

Council adopted Resolution No. 20205660 (as read into the record) by roll-call vote. The transcript records affirmative votes from Mayor Evans, Councilwoman Cooper, Councilman Velardo, Councilman Thompson and Councilman Price, among others present; no negative votes were recorded.

If the grant is awarded, city staff said they will return to council with project details and site-specific plans. Gunderson noted that the grant cannot reimburse work already completed and that staff will coordinate a follow-up if the application is successful.