Plans to upgrade Detwiler Park are finally under way after a delay of more than a year.
The renovation of the park was expected to start last summer and be completed by the end of the year.
Plans called for regrading and resizing the four ballpark infields, replacing the backstops with fence fabric, and adding a drainage system at the park, located north of downtown Toledo on East Manhattan Boulevard near Summit Street. Plans also called for new fencing and renovations to the press box, restroom, and concession area.
Joe Fausnaugh, director of parks, recreation, and youth services for the city of Toledo, said the project was held up because of drainage issues, which are currently being addressed to get the ball rolling.
“They’re correcting some drainage around the press box,” he said.
Other parts of the project are proceeding as well, he added.
“Construction is in progress right now,” Mr. Fausnaugh said. “They started installing the new drainage on the infields. Now that the drainage is going in, they can work on regrading and resizing the fields. They’re also working on the press box and the restrooms.”
Some redesign and engineering was done to make sure everything goes well, he said.
“We took our time to make sure we got it right,” he said.
Councilman Vanice Williams, who represents District 4, where the park is located, said some of the delay was also because of downed trees caused by severe weather that needed to be removed.
“Sometimes you have hiccups,” she said regarding the delay. “We had trees in the park for the last two years because of a tornado. They started removing them in June. When the renovation is complete, the park is going to be amazing.”
The city even hired an outside company to help clear the park of the debris, Councilman Theresa Morris said.
Mr. Fausnaugh said he expects to have the project completed soon.
“We’re hoping to have things wrapped up by the end of construction season this year,” he said. The warmer weather this season will help meet that deadline.
“They’ll keep working as long as they have the weather for it and hopefully they will be able to get everything completed. If not, we’ll finish up next spring as soon as the weather allows,” he said.
The city hosted a public meeting in May, 2023, to get input on proposed upgrades to the park. Residents’ feedback was incorporated into the final plans of the project.
The general contractor of the project is Midwest Contracting.
City council allocated $950,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project.
The city also received a $100,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to fund the improvements. The grant requires a minimum 25 percent or $25,000 match.
First Published November 7, 2024, 4:23 p.m.
