State funds and local grants could cover majority of Memorial Park pavilion

Mayor Paul Marnecheck told the Building & Building Codes Committee on June 16 that Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 450, which includes state capital appropriations available through June 30, 2028. Within that bill, North Royalton is set to receive $700,000 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to support construction of a new all‑season pavilion to replace the lower pavilion near Memorial Park pond.

"The pavilions are popular among residents," Marnecheck said, and he noted the planned replacement will include restrooms and allow year‑round use. Community Development Director Tom Jordan said the master‑plan estimate for the lower pavilion was about $1.3 million and that the city is applying for additional funding — including county support — to close the gap. Jordan said staff will complete further design review and updated cost estimating before the city proceeds.

Jordan also told the committee that work has started on soccer‑field lighting at Memorial Park and that power to the baseball fields was currently off but expected to be restored by Friday. He said the city is preparing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications (the report referenced two CDBG requests described at the meeting as $200,000 and $150,000) and a CDSG request of $50,000 for pavilion-related work.

City staff said the $700,000 from ODNR represents a substantial portion of the expected project cost but that final design, county funding decisions and any additional grants will determine the project’s final scope and schedule. The city will present grant applications to council for approval as required.