OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio — At this point everyone is thinking about getting back to normal. This includes the the newly formed Olmsted Athletic Commission (OAC), which is making good on its mission to increase recreational youth amenities in both Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township.
The nonprofit recently struck a deal with Olmsted Falls to build two baseball fields and a playground on city-owned land adjacent to the Cuyahoga County Public Library Olmsted Falls Branch.
“This is a great public-private partnership with OAC,” Olmsted Falls Mayor James Graven said. “This will provide more recreation for our residents at no cost to the city and our taxpayers. We’re providing more amenities without spending money from our general fund.”
The 20-year lease includes a $10 annual cost for use of the 3.79-acre lot located between the Mapleway Drive library branch and the railroad tracks.
As for the proposed $250,000 project, OAC has been busy fundraising with the group also searching for a field sponsor.
“It’s adjacent to the Falls-Lenox Primary School, so there’s very close proximity to the current baseball fields,” said OAC Vice President Jill Lukes, who is also a member of the Olmsted Falls Park and Recreation Board. “We’re targeting kids ages 10 and below with the smaller fields.
“The goal would be to have baseball fields construction completed this year and playground construction near the parking lot completed next year. There are some trees, so we might have to clear of the land, but there’s a lot of open space already. The next step is to have a survey done. Also, the city would like for us to include bathrooms. That could be the third phase.”
OAC boasts a mission to ensure optimal youth athletic experiences in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township that includes predominantly outdoor sports — baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
Other community projects OAC is currently working on include improving more than half a dozen existing youth baseball fields, as well as taking the lead on fundraising efforts to add artificial turf to the Olmsted Falls High School football stadium.
“The next big project that’s on our roadmap for this year is for the OAC to work with Olmsted Falls Soccer Association on the land behind the Schady Road soccer fields, which are technically in the Township,” Lukes said.
“There’s some much needed leveling and drainage work that needs to be done. We’re targeting a fall start date.”
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