Sandusky board hears detailed update on Landing boardwalk, signage and upcoming openings

Megan Stuckey, staff member, told the Sandusky Boards & Commissions that the city website is the preferred source for ongoing project updates and media, and demonstrated where commissioners can find descriptions, photos and monthly videos for active projects.

The largest presentation focused on The Landing, an elevated boardwalk and viewing area at the point. Stuckey said the project will include overlooks and seating at a former lighthouse base, restrooms, a crib pier and a kayak launch, and will preserve as many existing trees as possible. "He updates it with pictures, videos... When you get to the first homepage here, there's a banner that says city projects," she said.

Stuckey described construction measures intended to protect habitat: contractors used timber matting to limit ground disturbance and installed turtle fencing to reduce harm to Blanding and other turtles. She also reported sightings of snapping and soft-shell turtles and possible river otters in the area, and said the design keeps the boardwalk low to protect marshland while providing a dry trail for walkers.

On public amenities and access, Stuckey said Skyway is a public roadway to the site and that parking runs along the north side of the property; she estimated the number of spaces as "over 100" but did not provide a precise count. Bicycles will be allowed on the wood decking, she said, though riders may find it less comfortable than a paved trail. Stuckey cautioned that the decking is natural, cold-treated wood that cannot be effectively sealed to prevent cracking; winter maintenance will rely on sanding and on-site repairs, not salt, because the land is protected.

Stuckey also provided a construction timeline: the Pipe Creek bridge cleared ODOT inspection and is scheduled for delivery and placement later in the week, and the team is targeting a mid-June opening for the trail and a grand opening before July 4. The meeting heard that a nearby roundabout was opening the same day, and that city staff are coordinating public messaging for both projects.

Board member Mr. Zulauf praised contractors for accelerating the schedule, saying the closure was expected to last "76–78 days" but "he got it down to 53 to meet this deadline." The commission had no further action on the project at the meeting.

The board requested staff circulate project materials and specific parking counts ahead of the next meeting and said staff may call special meetings if issues arise before the quarterly schedule.