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Stow City moves forward on playground replacement, amphitheater and senior-center staffing
Summary
Board heard updates on plans to bid a $200,000 accessible playground replacement, naming and design work for a new plaza and amphitheater with a private developer, and a permanent part-time hire for the new senior center.
Stow City staff told the Parks & Recreation Board they have approval to put out a bid to replace an aging playground surface and components, using an existing $200,000 allocation. The planned replacement will maintain an accessible surface, staff said, and reflects the end of the current surface’s lifecycle (the playground’s newer section was installed in 2007).
Staff reported the city received approval in its operating budget to convert a seasonal senior-center worker, Valerie Puddleston, to a permanent part-time position. Puddleston has worked seasonally since last April with senior programming; staff said the permanent post will oversee daytime senior programming and coordinate maintenance needs for the senior facility.
Development work on a plaza and amphitheater at the Stow Kent shopping-center area is moving forward with a private developer. Staff named a private developer (Grant) and an engineering/consulting firm (Gilson Associates) as partners in planning; engineering studies are underway and staff said the developer aims to break ground in June or July. Staff reported the developer has fielded inquiries from six small restaurants and feels comfortable with three prospects. Staff emphasized plans to program the amphitheater year-round — with events, markets and possible amenities such as bocce courts or a seasonal ice rink — and said the city is working on naming the plaza and amphitheater.
Board discussion included parking and capacity. Staff said the community center’s main room capacity is 299 and the existing lot has about 80 marked spaces plus about 30 additional spaces; staff said expansion of parking and shuttle arrangements are under consideration for large events.
Engineering and design studies remain in progress and staff did not present a final schedule or contract award. No tax increase was proposed; staff noted several projects are proceeding without a new tax levy.
Board members asked staff to continue updates as engineering studies and bids progress; staff said additional public notices and renderings will follow as design work is finished.
