CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine made a significant announcement during his visit to Chillicothe on Wednesday, unveiling state funding earmarked for various projects set to bolster development in Ross County. The highlight of the announcement was the substantial revitalization initiative slated for Yoctangee Park, aimed at enhancing the city’s central district.
A whopping $35,362,990 has been allocated to the City of Chillicothe to spearhead the transformation of the Yoctangee Riverside District. Among the key projects outlined are:
- Armory Renovation: Plans include repurposing the currently underutilized Armory into a multi-functional space housing a UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visitors’ Center, community areas, and recreational facilities.
- Chillicothe Farmers Market Pavilion: The funding will facilitate the construction of a spacious pavilion to accommodate the bustling Chillicothe Farmers Market, enhancing the local agricultural scene.
- Park Enhancements: Extensive upgrades are slated for park recreational facilities, with highlights including the addition of an amphitheater, pickleball courts, and refurbishment of baseball fields, aimed at enriching the community’s leisure options.
- Bike Path and Accessibility: Efforts will be made to improve accessibility and connectivity by reconfiguring roads around the park and downtown area, alongside the addition of a bike path, fostering a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
- Expansion of Mighty Children’s Museum: The project includes expanding and enhancing the Mighty Children’s Museum, with a focus on offering STEM-focused programming, and enriching educational opportunities for local youth.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to capitalize on Chillicothe’s recent designation as a World Heritage Site for its local Native American landmarks, with hopes of boosting tourism and economic growth in the region.
In addition to the Yoctangee Park revitalization, other communities in Ross County are set to benefit from state funding:
- Village of Frankfort: A sum of $3,079,793 has been allocated for traffic calming measures, ADA-compliant ramps, and improvements to Lightle Park, including the addition of a trailhead, playground equipment, sports fields, and a dog park.
- Union Township: Funding amounting to $792,593 will be directed towards enhancing the historic Mound City site, including the construction of a pavilion designed to accommodate large groups.
- Union Township: An additional $320,542 has been earmarked to expand and complete a bike trail connecting the Hopewell Mound Group to Maple Grove Prairie Park, further promoting outdoor recreation opportunities in the area.