Project projected to be complete in 2021
TIFFIN, OHIO – July 7, 2020 – The City of Tiffin recently completed and submitted its application to the State of Ohio for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, with the funds to primarily be used for improvements to Nature Trails Park. If approved, the project would include adding paved walking trails, benches, a barbecue grill and a new playground by fall of 2021. The playground that had been at the park has been removed due to disrepair.
Every two years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates up to $150,000 for the City of Tiffin for specific activities that benefit areas of low-income residents, benefit specific populations or to make improvements in areas of slum and blight. The total amount requested for this round of funding was $147,800, of which $117,800 is for improvements at Nature Trails Park, $25,000 is for grant administration costs and $5,000 is allocated for the required fair housing program.
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership administered the program for the City of Tiffin during this round of funding, and facilitated the selection of the project with the coordination of municipal elected officials and staff, Tiffin City Council members, the Tiffin Community Development Committee and other stakeholders. Seneca County has its own allocation amount, separate from the City of Tiffin, which is administered by Seneca Regional Planning Commission.
City of Tiffin Engineer's Office provided the preliminary design services and will provide additional engineering services throughout the project that will save significant costs and allow more funds to be used for construction.
The application was submitted June 17, 2020, to the State of Ohio Office of Community Development, following authorization from Tiffin City Council on June 15, 2020.
Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz commented, “Nature Trails is a great asset to citizens it serves, but this funding will provide for a much needed update at the park. I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to invest in our community without having to put the expense on the city’s budget.”
