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McDONALD – Village officials are seeking public input on a proposed project to resurface the tennis courts at Woodland Park.
Mayor Ray Lewis said the village intends to submit a grant application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to secure funding for the proposed improvements.
He said the project would involve resurfacing the existing tennis courts at Woodland Park to improve playing conditions, enhance safety and extend the useful life of the recreational facilities.
These improvements are part of the village’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance Woodland Park as a valuable recreational resource for residents and visitors.
As part of the grant application process, the village is inviting residents and other interested stakeholders to provide comments regarding the proposed improvements. Public feedback will help inform the village’s application and ensure the project reflects community recreational needs.
The public comment period will be open through Oct. 22.
Residents wishing to submit comments, questions, or suggestions regarding the proposed tennis court resurfacing project may do so by emailing: villageofmcdonaldgrants@gmail.com
All comments must be received by Thursday to be considered during the grant application process.
Lewis said village officials appreciate the community’s continued support and participation in efforts to preserve and improve Woodland Park for current and future generations.
In other business at the recent council meeting, resident Stacy Foster asked about an advisory board for the village planning commission and council as they discuss guidelines for a one-year moratorium on data centers in the village to allow for more time to review such businesses and others.
Foster also asked if an open forum could take place for the public for a general discussion on data centers.
Lewis has said no site plan has been submitted to date by Oppidan or any other company or business to locate a data center at the former McDonald Steel industrial park.
He has said since he joined council 11 years ago, his goal has been the betterment of McDonald. He said he has made it a priority to with potential investors, developers, and prospective residents because he believes the community must continue to look for opportunities that can strengthen McDonald and secure its future.
At the same time, Lewis said economic development cannot come at the expense of the people who already call McDonald home.
“We are entering uncharted territory--something none of us, myself included, has ever experienced before. That means we have a responsibility to ask difficult questions, gather the facts, listen to our residents and make decisions carefully.
Lewis said no site plan has been submitted to the planning commission.
Village council has previously placed a one-year moratorium on data centers to allow for more research and review.
He said he believes the best path forward is one that includes transparency, community involvement, thoughtful discussion and careful consideration of every opportunity and its potential impact on McDonald.