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Harrison wins $1 million ODNR grant; council reviews splash pad plan but appropriation not yet approved
Summary
Harrison received a $1,000,000 reimbursable grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for community center improvements. Recreation Coordinator Kim Sovereign presented a phased plan centered on a 4,500 sq ft splash pad (estimated $385,000); council said appropriations and a contract are required before construction can start.
Harrison leaders told residents on Dec. 3 that the city has been awarded a $1,000,000 reimbursable grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for improvements to the Harrison Community Center, including a proposed splash pad.
Kim Sovereign, the city’s recreation coordinator, described the project and its timing. "So, the splash pad is 4,500 square feet. It's 170 gallons per minute," Sovereign said, adding the system will be a freshwater flow-through design with 17 water features and a push-button activation. She said the splash pad vendor is DWA Recreation, an Omni partner that provides state pricing and would avoid a separate public bid process.
Sovereign provided cost estimates: the splash pad itself is priced at about $385,000, and a phase 1 comparative estimate for park improvements (including new ballfields, restroom work and a walking loop) is roughly $1,800,000. She also said the ODNR award is reimbursable: the city must spend and invoice costs to receive state reimbursement.
Council members and staff discussed next steps. Officials noted a 30% down payment is required to start ordering equipment and that the city must appropriate funds and execute a contract before construction can proceed. The mayor asked staff to schedule a council work session to review contract terms, inclusions and exclusions; Sovereign said technical questions could be addressed by DWA representatives who were present.
Sovereign also said local partners are contributing. She confirmed the Kiwanis has agreed to make a donation, and other community donations were being solicited to help close remaining gaps.
The city will not begin construction until the appropriation legislation and a contract are in place, and council members asked to review the detailed quote and exclusions at a forthcoming work session.
