With the support of other local municipalities, Plain City officials are working to create a 41-acre public park along the Sugar Run tributary.
The village is applying for grant funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission to acquire land from the Raber family at the intersection of Converse Road and Currier Road, which is beyond Plain City’s boundaries.
If awarded the grant, the village would purchase the land and dedicate it as a public park “in perpetuity,” according to information from the village’s project proposal.
The project aligns with goals expressed by council to both acquire parkland and protect the Big Darby Creek.
The land itself is located within Jerome Township, slightly less than three miles from the village, and consists of a piece of Sugar Run along with fields and wooded areas.
In previous discussions, Parks and Recreation Director Linda Granger said the park would offer space for more passive activities, as a priority of the project would be conservation of the area.
The project proposal indicates that the village intends to “construct educational signage that focuses on the importance of clean water and water conservancy” and construct hiking trails in the future.
Within the proposal, village officials noted that the project would allow for the “preservation of valuable green space in an area where development is forthcoming.”
During council’s most recent work session, Management Analyst Justin Dreier said the village is applying for $637,500 in funding through the OPWC Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program.
The grant requires a 25% local match so, if awarded, the village would contribute $212,500 to meet the total $850,000 value at which the land was appraised.
At the most recent Jerome Township Trustees meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution to support the village’s grant application.
Jerome Township Zoning Inspector Eric Snowden said ownership of parkland or recreational space beyond a municipality’s boundaries is “not totally unusual.”
He emphasized that he does not see the project as step toward annexing the land into Plain City.
“It has nothing to do with annexation,” he said, reiterating that the property does not touch the village’s border, which is required of land that is annexed.
Snowden said he does not see any downside for the township.
“There’s essentially no risk,” he told the trustees.
Dreier said the village is also seeking a resolution of support from the Union County Commissioners as part of the grant application.
He said the application is due on July 26.
If the village is awarded funding, officials intend to complete the property acquisition early next year.
Village officials are also applying for funding through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks grant program.
The program provides up to 75% reimbursement for the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of recreational areas.
Since Plain City is split between Union and Madison counties, the village can apply for funding for projects in both counties.
Dreier said the projects are “still being ironed out,” but noted that Plain City has used NatureWorks funding in the past for improvements in Pastime Park or the Madison Meadows playground.
The current deadline for applications, June 1, could be pushed back, Dreier said, as total funding available has not yet been finalized by the Ohio General Assembly.