Parks board reviews master plan updates and looming loss of sports complex, estimates millions for replacement fields

The Parks and Recreation Board on May 6 reviewed a second-phase update to the city's comprehensive master plan, including recent infrastructure investments and the potential cost of replacing athletic fields if the city loses an existing sports complex.

Parks presenter Mike told the board the city has completed several capital projects called for in the plan, including a roughly $86,000 storage facility at Arris Park, two football fields built in 2022 (about $467,863) and other investments that together total "over half $1,000,000" at Arris across 2020 and 2022. "We have some of the nicest fields in the area," Mike said, describing hydroseeding, accessible pathways and consolidated storage for youth sports groups.

Mike also discussed Greensburg Park improvements and a recent property purchase on Massillon Road that allowed field expansion. He said constructing two new ball fields to replace lost capacity would be expensive: "dollars 1,700,000 to build 2 fields, a stormwater retention basin, parking lot, lights," and that the "total project, dollars 1,800,000 really, for the ball fields." The board noted those figures as they weigh options for keeping adult and youth leagues functioning.

On Creek Balm, Mike said the city installed a prefabricated concrete restroom that cost $419,247 and required new electric, sewer and water hookups. He said the building arrived in two sections and crews set it in place with heavy equipment; staff hoped to secure final inspection this week and have the restroom open by next Monday, pending inspections and contractor timing.

Board members and staff also discussed the loss of a separate sports complex to airport expansion. A committee member asked whether the city has a plan; staff said they had "planned ahead as much as we could by adding more fields whenever the opportunity presented us," but acknowledged building new fields on short notice is unlikely. Staff described interim options under review, including renting fields from local churches or other organizations and researching lighting costs for East Liberty and Greensburg.

The board asked how replacement costs would affect capital budgeting. Staff said decisions about reallocating funds would depend on the capital projects review process later this year and that any significant new construction would likely be handled as part of that capital process.

The presentation also covered Central Park improvements (shade sails at the amphitheater and artificial playground turf), equipment installations and plans to rebid a sound and lighting project after bids failed to meet requirements. Mike said the city plans to pursue state grant funds for some work in 2027.

The board did not take a formal vote on replacing fields at the meeting; staff said they will continue to develop options and present budget implications through the capital projects process.