TOLEDO, Ohio — The city of Toledo and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) announced Wednesday that the city has secured a $1.1 million grant award for the Savage Park Revitalization Project.
The $1,151,000 grant comes from the Department of the Interior's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. The city said the grant will cover 50% of the cost of revitalizing Savage Park, Toledo's oldest city park.
The city said the revitalization project aims to enhance public access to high-quality outdoor recreation and natural spaces in the Junction neighborhood, including the construction of a new splash pad.
"Securing this grant will allow the city to completely transform the Rev. H.V. Savage Park and its splash pad,” Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said. “For too long, this space has not met the needs of our community. This funding will make the park a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place for families and neighbors who rely on it for recreation and connection. Thank you to the National Park Service, Senator Sherrod Brown, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, and the team of city employees who made this possible.”
The city said council approved the expenditure of $150,000 to design the proposed splash pad.
“We have been meeting with the residents in the Junction neighborhood for two years about implementing improvements to Savage Park," Joe Fausnaugh, director of Parks and Youth Services said. "I am thrilled that the ORLP grant award will finally allow us to move forward with our plans to restore the park’s status as a cherished community hub for gatherings and recreational activities."
The city of Toledo said the following are the key components of the project:
- "Facility Rehabilitation: The existing deteriorated pool will be demolished and replaced with a new open-air shelter, creating a versatile space for gatherings and events. Repairs and accessibility improvements will be made to play facilities and other park amenities, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of the community.
- Enhancing Natural Spaces: Improvements will focus on the park’s signature native oak grove, enhancing public access and usability. The project will incorporate nature-based solutions for stormwater management, promoting environmental sustainability while beautifying the park.
- Educational Initiatives: Accompanying interpretive signage will provide educational insights into the park’s natural features and the importance of green spaces in urban environments. This will foster a deeper connection between the community and their natural surroundings.
- Community-Driven Design: Informed by more than five years of community engagement, this project is designed to address real and perceived safety risks while encouraging family-friendly activities and gatherings."
