The Lucas County commissioners have given their support to the Metroparks Toledo’s capital campaign for an Enrichment Center in east Toledo.
At the May 3 meeting, the commissioners allocated $1.5 million for the center. In authorizing the expenditure, they lauded the park district’s commitment to protect natural resources through preservation and restoration of land with environmental, economic and community value.
Gary Byers, board president, said the center at 815 Front Street will “rehabilitate a currently idle structure, repurposing it for use as a community hub.”
He added, “It will bring together a variety of organizations to offer services tailored to meet the needs of the community’s diverse population.”
He pointed out the facility will offer recreational opportunities for which Metroparks Toledo is known, as well as wellness, education, workforce development and youth programming.
Work on the center is expected to be complete in 2023.
Facilities Improvements
A number of facilities’ improvements could be on tap this year following the commissioners’ approval to advertise for bids on four projects.
The first project entails building upgrades to the Spencer Township Community Center, 330 Oak Terrace Boulevard, Holland. Estimated to cost $373,000, the work would entail roof replacement and interior renovations.
They also will be advertising for bids to make site improvements at a new playground, 701 Adams Street, Toledo. The estimated $325,000 project would entail stormwater retention, site utilities, grading, concrete and landscaping.
Bids will be sought for window replacement at the Court of Common Pleas, 700 Adams Street. The work will cost approximately $152,000.
Lastly, the commissioners will seek bids on a landscaping project at the Juvenile Justice Center, 1801 Speilbusch Avenue, Toledo, which is expected to cost $138,000.
Other Business
In other business, the commissioners:
•Entered into a joint agreement with the cities of Maumee and Oregon for funds through the Community Housing Impact and Preservation program. The commissioners believe the agreement will increase the eligibility amount to the county. Funds are used to provide affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.
•Agreed to negotiate a contract with the Sports Facilities Companies for consulting services associated with a redevelopment study of the county recreation center, 2910 Key Street, Maumee. The study’s objective is to determine the feasibility of maintaining recreational use at the rec center.
•Approved an agreement with Ottawa County for the 2022 pavement marking program. The county will pay its portion in eastern Lucas county that abuts Ottawa County which is estimated to cost $46,000.
•Purchased property from Winding Stream Properties LLC for a bridge replacement at Perrysburg Holland Road for $5,495.
•Accepted a water supply line at Fallen Timbers Fairways in Monclova Township.
•Amended an agreement with Tetra Tech of Toledo for a sanitary sewer interceptor rehabilitation to reflect the correct contract number of 2200. The original resolution erroneously had listed the number at 2174.
~Jane Maiolo
