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MetroParks to unveil VOA's planned additions
Monday, May 12, 2008
HAMILTON — The Butler County MetroParks board wants to know what residents want at Voice of America Park.
The park spans more than 400 acres in West Chester Twp. It's popular for sports fields, a winter sledding hill and a 35-acre fishing lake, but that's only the beginning.
Extras
MetroParks officials plan numerous additions over the next decade, possibly including improved sports fields, an expanded lake, an amphitheater, playground equipment and trails.
Specifically what improvements they'll include depends on feedback received when a draft enhancement plan is unveiled today, May 13, at the park's Ronald Reagan Lodge.
"If we missed anything, this is one of those opportunities where somebody might say 'I've got a really good idea,'" said MetroParks Director Jon Granville.
The draft enhancement plan was assembled with help from a 17-member citizens' committee, including different types of park users. The goal, Granville said, was to come up with a plan that balances conservation, recreation and education.
MetroParks board Chairman Edward Dwyer said they will keep the Wiggly Park dog park, likely add playground equipment and maintain the area as a historical and natural site.
"We want to make it very clear that we want to maintain the integrity of that," Dwyer said.
They'll likely also improve the soccer and softball fields on the park's southern end, possibly enough that it could host tournaments.
"We're looking for facilities that will generate enough revenue so operating costs are taken care of, and perhaps even better than that," Granville said, adding that the park's location near the highway makes it prime for that.
MetroParks leaders said they'll explore grants, sponsorships and other funding ideas after they decide what amenities they want and rank their priority. While figuring out how to pay for everything, they'll decide in future meetings where to put it all.
Granville said he hopes to have the enhancement plan completed in July.
Contact this reporter at jsweigart@coxohio.com.
