New Philadelphia asks for community support to get state grant for Southside Park project

NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ The city of New Philadelphia is seeking a $250,000 grant from the state to help fund construction of a multi-purpose building at Southside Community Park.

The building would be constructed in the vicinity of the high school soccer fields and football field at the park. It would house a restroom, concession stand and maintenance storage. In addition, a pavilion would be built off the building for community members to use for shelter when it is raining at sporting events.

More on park: Bow-wow! Southside Community Park impresses users with dog area, butterfly garden, trails

The project is estimated to cost around $500,000, according to Service Director Ron McAbier.

New Philadelphia already has some funding for the building, including $250,000 from the most recent state capital budget and $50,000 from the Kimble Foundation. The additional grant would come through the Land Water Conservancy Fund, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

To help secure the grant, the city is asking residents to send letters of support to: Erin Wright, Director of Infrastructure & Community Development, 326 Highland Avenue, Suite B, Cambridge, Ohio 43725, or by email at ewright@omegadistrict.org. The deadline for letters is Nov. 10.

Phase One of the project has been completed for several years. That has included a dog park, walking trails and a pollinator garden.

For now, the city is working on projects piecemeal as funding becomes available, such as the multi-use building, McAbier said.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: New Philadelphia asks for community support to get state grant for Southside Park project