Plain City council approves Sugar Run Park concept plan, directs staff to seek Clean Ohio funding

President Tyler Harriman called a May 6 work session into order, and Village Administrator Haley Lupton presented the Sugar Run Park concept plan supported by the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Lupton said the plan would add a shelter house, walking path, playground and a natural play area and that staff intends to apply for the Ohio Public Works Commission Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program. The application is due in September 2026; if funding is awarded, construction could occur in 2027. She also said the existing house and barn shown on the plan will be demolished under a separate demolition grant.

Councilmember Aaron Lewis said he supports the concept and urged the outer loop path be at least one mile to encourage active recreation; he also proposed a small, primitive camping area for educational uses such as Cub Scout or Boy Scout events. Parks and Recreation Director Linda Granger said a small cleared area in the woods may accommodate that use, pending floodplain restrictions. Lupton and staff noted the silo on the property is being evaluated for potential functional reuse, subject to engineering review.

After discussion of materials and grant-eligible improvements, the council approved the concept plan by unanimous consent and formally recommended that staff continue preparing the OPWC Clean Ohio grant application.

The council did not adopt a construction contract at the session; staff described the action as approval of the concept plan and direction to pursue grant funding. The next steps identified by staff include completing the grant application and pursuing required engineering and permitting if funding is awarded.