Mount Vernon is set to pursue a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to fund enhancements at Arch Park. The city plans to incorporate feedback from local residents in determining the specific improvements.
City Engineer Brian Ball explained that the ODNR Nature Works grant funds are available because no other agency in Knox County had an immediate use for the $47,681. Instead of leaving these funds unused, Mount Vernon intends to apply for them in the next fiscal year. Ball noted that due to the absence of two council members, approval of the legislation to proceed with bidding on the project could not be expedited as an emergency measure. He expressed hope that ODNR would permit the application without this requirement, which will be submitted after the June 2 deadline. The city council's next meeting is scheduled for June 9.
Ball said that the estimated cost for the Arch Park improvements is $250,000 and includes plans for a new restroom facility. However, he mentioned that this plan could be revised based on community preferences.
He also highlighted that American Electric Power's (AEP) work on rebuilding transmission lines necessitated the removal of a fountain and pavilion at Arch Park. AEP compensated the city for these features.
Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers addressed the Mount Vernon City Council during its May 27 meeting, emphasizing that Arch Park primarily serves local residents. "You're probably not going to get a whole lot of people traveling from other places to come to Arch Park," Salyers said, stressing that neighborhood input is crucial in deciding park improvements.
Salyers reported that 384 community surveys were distributed within the area served by Arch Park. These surveys included questions about infrastructure needs such as sidewalks, flood mitigation, and street lighting, along with inquiries about desired park enhancements.
