CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Construction crews are making visible progress on a new pavilion in Yoctangee Park that will give the Chillicothe Farmers Market a permanent home, the city said this week.
The pavilion is being built with a mass timber structure designed to be both durable and economical, according to the city. Once finished, the building will serve as a year-round gathering space for the farmers market as well as community events, festivals and other celebrations.
The city first announced the project in February as part of a broader investment tied to the state’s Appalachian Community Grant program, which is putting more than $500 million into projects across the region. In Chillicothe, the funding is supporting construction of the multi-use pavilion in Yoctangee Park.
Plans for the pavilion call for heating so the space can be used through the winter months, along with two large ceiling fans for warm-weather comfort, the city said. Sixteen garage doors will line the structure and can be raised to create an open-air setting during markets and events. A concession area will open to both the interior and exterior of the building, and the site will include restrooms and a new nearby parking lot for visitors.
City officials said the project is intended to strengthen the connection between Yoctangee Park and Historic Downtown Chillicothe. Because the farmers market sits just steps from downtown, officials said visitors will be able to shop and dine at local businesses while attending the market.
The farmers market currently operates outdoors year-round, with vendors setting up in all types of weather. The new pavilion will give the market a permanent, sheltered space for the first time.
A completion date for the project has not been announced.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the City of Chillicothe.
