The landscape was changing quickly while contractors were hard at work improving several parks for your increased enjoyment. A hard winter and wet spring made it difficult to move dirt, but projects continued to move forward throughout the summer.
Robert F. Mays Park Development
This first phase of construction is a fairly long process that includes grading the land, installing drain pipes and storm water basins, building the parking lot, planting native plants, grass, and trees and then waiting for it all to grow! Although the plantings should take place by early fall, the park will not be open for scheduled activities until sometime in 2015. Construction of the shelter with restrooms, funded in part by a NatureWorks grant, will take place starting in winter or early spring.
Iron Horse Park Picnic Shelter
The new shelter includes permanent restrooms for this community park that also serves as a trailhead for the Iron Horse Trail. The new shelter will be ready for drop-in use by the end of the year, and we will start taking reservations in 2015.
Bill Yeck Park – Smith Entrance
The park entrance construction project enhances the new Centerville-Station Road entrance to this 194-acre nature park and includes parking for 64 cars. The bioswales and rain gardens are planted with native species to slow down the water runoff and add beauty to the park.
Smith House renovations included adding ramps to access the house and east meeting room, updating the electric, plumbing and heating systems and installing ADA-compliant restrooms in the newer sections of the house, without affecting the historic rooms. The renovations are necessary requirements to be able to use the house for public programs.
Oak Creek South Park Wetland Boardwalk
Park District staff are constructing a boardwalk and observation deck overlooking the deepest section of the wetland, so park visitors can take a closer look at this unique habitat. Funding for the project was provided by a Montgomery County Recycling Grant — recycled decking is used for the boardwalk.
Holes Creek & Silvercreek Parks and Holes Creek Trail Development
After receiving a Clean Ohio Trails Grant to construct the Holes Creek Trail between Holes Creek and Silvercreek Parks, plans are moving ahead to construct amenities in the two undeveloped parks at either end of the trail. Both are designated as nature parks so little development is necessary other than a small parking lot at Holes Creek Park and minor grading, native plantings, picnic tables, benches and drinking fountains at both parks. Our plans include continuing the traditional Holes Creek Park sunflower field the community has enjoyed for many years thanks to the generosity of the Lucas family.