MOUNT VERNON – Ariel-Foundation Park Executive Director Mark Fritz and park staff have been incredibly busy with physical upgrades and changes to structures and landscapes this summer, working hard to provide these improvements.
Knox County Foundation Pavilion
The Knox County Foundation Foundation Pavilion is undergoing a major upgrade to improve water drainage around the building. Work commenced on July 26 with the intent to direct water away from the foundation. This will affect future events held at the building in a positive way since the threat of flooding inside will be reduced significantly. The costs for these improvements are being equally shared between the City of Mount Vernon and the Foundation Park Conservancy.
West Lake Breach
Another major effort was completed this year when the breach on West Lake was repaired and the riparian area along the Kokosing River was repaired and reinforced up to the viaduct. We invite everyone to visit the park and hike back along the river and see the beautiful work done by Mount Vernon through grants awarded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and others.
Central Lake Paved Trail
Discussions between Mount Vernon, Foundation Park Conservancy and ODNR have been ongoing to extend and pave a walking trail around the north side of Center Lake. This will allow folks to walk around the entire circumference of Center Lake, allowing for increased traffic and accessibility. Anticipation is building for this to commence soon and be completed by late fall.
View, safety improved
You may have noticed improved line-of-sight as you look from South Main Street or the viaduct directly west. You now can see clear over to the Kiwanis Pavilion. This is due to spirited volunteerism by a few local community members who cleared the overgrowth, brush and some scrub trees. This allows folks driving to see the park and potentially draw them to it. For safety, police can more easily patrol the area and have visual contact more frequently.
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