FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) – Work continues in Findlay to develop a downtown recreation area that would also support flood mitigation efforts.
This month, the Findlay City Council voted to move forward with design and engineering for the recreation area. The city is now working with a design firm to explore various features, which could include approximately two miles of walking and running paths, a multipurpose stage, a splash pad, a kayak launch, and fishing areas. Plans also call for a 460-foot pedestrian bridge to connect both sides of the Blanchard River. While planning progresses on the recreation area, Mayor Christina Muryn says the flood mitigation portion of the project is expected to move forward sooner.
“We are hoping that by the end of this year we'll break ground on the flood mitigation aspects of that project, and then it should be ready to break ground on kind of the amenity portion related to the downtown recreation area in probably late 2026,” says Mayor Muryn.
The final cost of the recreation area has not yet been determined, as design plans are still being refined. However, the overall estimate for the project could be around $30 million.
“In the next couple of weeks, we'll also start really looking at opportunities for fundraising. So, at this point in time, we don't have the funding all in place. What we're really committed to is looking for outside donors, grant opportunities, both at the state and federal level, as well as private support, and then the city. My goal is that we would not put in more than $10 million towards that project,” adds Muryn.
To view a presentation about the project, visit: https://www.findlayohio.gov/community/downtown-recreation-area
