Future Upgrades & Opportunities

Welcome to our Future Upgrade Opportunities section! Here, we outline the exciting initiatives and improvements planned for several parks in our community: Alumni Park, Old Schoolhouse Park, and Michael Merrill Park. We're dedicated to enhancing the park experience for all visitors and ensuring that our green spaces remain cherished assets for the community.

Are you passionate about improving our parks? We're always looking for community involvement and support!

Here's how you can get involved:

Volunteer: Join us for park cleanup and beautification efforts across Alumni Park, Old Schoolhouse Park, and Michael Merrill Park. Additionally, volunteer to assist with Parks and Recreation events and programs. Your hands-on involvement can make a real difference in keeping our parks clean and welcoming, and in ensuring the success of community events.
Share Your Ideas: Attend public meetings or reach out to your local public officials to share your ideas and feedback on park upgrades and initiatives. Your input is valuable in shaping the future of our parks.
Letters of Support: If you believe in our vision for the parks, consider writing a letter of support. Your words can help us garner additional community support and funding for our projects.

Together, we can create parks that serve as vibrant hubs for community engagement, recreation, and relaxation.

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Village Office at 419-669-3224 or clerk@westonohio.org

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Keeler's Prairie Project Proposal

A message from the Mayor...

On Monday (August 5th) the Community Development Council Committee introduced details for implementing a native prairie within a 115ft x 255ft area near the north end of Keeler's Trail (the walking path). I'd like to highlight some important dates for an opportunity to be heard or collaborate with the process of implementing the project.

The Community Development committee will be meeting on Thursday, August 15th at 6:00PM at the Village Hall to finalize the proposal in order to seek a council vote to move forward with the project.

This proposal will come before council on August 20th at 6:00PM for discussion and approval.

The projected cost of this project is less than $500.00, and is expected to require no budget changes beyond what is currently in place for operating costs.

The proposal calls for the area to be mowed and cleared starting in September, a process that is expected to take 1-2 months, with an opportunity for community input in the interior shape and layout of the prairie in November. This will be followed up by a community seeding event in January, in which our crews will use February and March to fine-tune the birth of the prairie.

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Here is a LINK to the committee proposal. Note that this document is considered a DRAFT, and is subject to change based on the work of the committee.

Basketball Court Resurfacing & Redesign

Applying to ODNR's NatureWorks grant

**Attention Community Members! Exciting News About the Current Basketball Court!**

Are you passionate about enhancing our local recreational facilities? Do you envision a space where people of all ages can come together to enjoy outdoor activities? Then you’ll be thrilled to hear about the opportunity to revamp our beloved basketball court at Alumni Park!

We are delighted to announce that we are applying for a NatureWorks grant to transform our current basketball court into a versatile, multi-functional space that caters to a variety of interests and preferences. Here's what we have in store:

**Resurfacing and Redesign:**

The current basketball court will undergo a thorough resurfacing process to ensure a smooth and safe playing surface.
Following the resurfacing, the court will be redesigned to optimize space usage, transitioning from two full courts to one full court, one half court, and two dedicated pickleball courts.
This redesign will involve updating court markings to accommodate the new layout, including lines for basketball and pickleball courts.
Alongside the resurfacing, we will install new net systems specifically designed for pickleball, ensuring optimal gameplay for enthusiasts of this growing sport.
Additionally, brand-new basketball hoops meeting regulation standards will be installed, enhancing the overall playing experience and safety of the court.

**How You Can Help:**

Your involvement and input are vital to the success of this project. The NatureWorks grant application process recommends community participation, and your voice matters.
We encourage you to attend the upcoming council meetings and provide feedback on this project. Your insights will help shape the final plans for the basketball court renovation.
To participate in the grant application, the Village must pass a resolution indicating our intent to apply for funding. This resolution is expected to undergo a second reading on April 1st and a third and final reading on April 15th, providing ample time for community input and discussion.
Additionally, we’re seeking letters of support from community members, organizations, and stakeholders to include with the grant application. These letters will demonstrate the widespread community backing for the project and strengthen our application. Your letter could make a significant difference in securing funding for the renovation. Letters can be sent to clerk@westonohio.org, dropped off at the Village Hall during office hours or after hours drop box (13234 Main Street, Weston), or mailed to P.O. Box 354, Weston, OH 43569.

** Project Cost: **

Resurfacing (Rutter & Dudley Asphalt Maintenance) $18,320
Line Painting (SportsScape) $2,700
Basketball System (SportsScape) $5,400
Net System (SportsScape) $1,300
Embeds for 3 hoops & 2 pickleball systems (SportsScape) $2,000
Freight/Delivery $798

TOTAL: $30,518

**About NatureWorks Grant:**

The NatureWorks grant program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), provides funding assistance to local communities for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of outdoor recreational areas. This grant presents an invaluable opportunity for us to enhance our recreational facilities at Alumni Park. However, it’s important to note that this grant requires a 25% match. Additionally, each county is allocated a specific amount of funding, which is determined by ODNR and yet to be finalized. By securing this grant and meeting the matching requirements, we can realize our vision for transforming the basketball court into a dynamic, multi-functional space that promotes health, wellness, and community engagement.

Shared Visions

Community-Contributed Ideas and Inspirations

Six signs have been placed along the new walking trail, Keeler's Path. Each sign highlights a proposed project aimed at further enhancing the Alumni Park multi-use area. Residents have shown their support for these projects by participating in a point-based sticker system. Each resident receives a set of numbered stickers, ranging from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest possible score. By placing a sticker on a project's sign, residents assign a corresponding number of points, with higher numbers indicating stronger support. Those interested in participating can obtain a set of stickers at any Parks & Rec event or by visiting the Village Hall.

This feedback will help determine which projects should be prioritized. Additionally, demonstrating community support is crucial when seeking grant opportunities to fund these initiatives, an effort that remains a top priority.

It is important to note that these are ideas currently under consideration; they have not yet been approved to move forward. The projects are in the early stages of research and planning, and community input will help shape the final proposals.

Residents are encouraged to contribute ideas and input beyond this current round of proposals. A list of potential projects for other areas in town has been identified, and more suggestions are welcomed. Those interested in getting involved can contact a councilmember to learn how to bring their ideas to fruition. Councilmembers can provide insight into the process and may even co-sponsor a proposal through committee.

You can also provide Feedback through the >>> FORM