TOLEDO, Ohio — Savage Park revitalization project has been in the works for the last two years.
According to the city of Toledo a new federal grant through the U.S. Department of Interior will cover 50% of the cost of revitalizing Savage Park.
One of the main goal with the $1.1 million grant is to enhance public access to high-quality outdoor recreation and natural spaces in the Junction neighborhood.
Some long-time residents in central Toledo who live in the Junction Neighborhood say the city of Toledo's investment in Savage Park will mean a better quality of life.
"It'll be a great improvement to, you know, the neighborhood. And I don't know if the pool is still open or not, but it would be nice having a pool. Just having stuff for the kids," said Toledo resident Bobbi Smith-Hunter.
Some of the key components of the project include facility rehabilitation, which is demolishing and replacing it with a new open air shelter. It will also enhance natural spaces and beautify the park.
"It's important to the Junction neighborhood that surrounds it. It's also important because over the years, it has not received the investment and love and care that it should have. Nor has the neighborhood around it. So, to be able to make this kind of a massive investment there, I think will be great for the kids and the families who live around there," said Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.
"It's a real hub for that community. So to be able to revitalize that park, we hope, is a catalyst for that entire Junction community. And we'd like to see Savage serve as that hub and that catalyst," said Joe Fausnaugh, the Toledo Director of Parks and Youth Services.
Councilwoman Vanice Williams states the project will breathe new life into the community, all while addressing the safety risks and ensuring the park is a safe place for families.
"I'm actually excited. I believe we're breathing new life into the city right now. we're breathing new life. I think people will love to live here. I love to live here, so I think it will bring people here," said councilwoman Williams.
At this time it is not known when the renovations will begin to take place.
The City of Toledo tells WTOL 11 that they will hire an architectural firm to help with the final design based on the feedback they receive.