From selecting mural artists to agreeing to spend up to $1 million for rustic cabins to be built along the Maumee River, Metroparks Toledo’s Board of Park Commissioners kept progress on the Glass City Metropark and its associated Glass City Riverwalk rolling along at its monthly meeting on Wednesday.
The five-member board had actions approved by three commissioners — Board President Scott Savage, Vice President Fritz Byers and Commissioner Molly Luetke — at the meeting, held inside the Brookwood special use area in South Toledo. The board’s other vice president, Lera Doneghy, and Commissioner Kevin Dalton were absent.
Chris "Chilly" Rodriguez, River East Gallery owner, and Dean Davis, Art Farm owner, were chosen as artists to paint murals over the concrete abutments of the new pedestrian bridge that connects Glass City Metropark and International Park. Cost is not to exceed $55,000.
The two plan to have the murals done in time for the big Glass City Metropark weekend festivities planned for June 9-11 to serve as the park’s grand opening. The first phase of Glass City Metropark was opened to the public in late 2020 while the coronavirus pandemic was still raging. The much larger second phase is nearing completion.
In an interview after the meeting, the two artists said they envision a brightly colored, inspirational set of murals that aim to inspire people about East Toledo. Both grew up on the east side, in the tiny village of Harbor View, Ohio (2010 population 123), about a block apart.
“We actually came from the same neighborhood,” Mr. Davis said.
Both said they hope their artistry will whet appetites about East Toledo.
Mr. Rodriguez said they envision something “whimsical and heavy on the positivity.”
“Our idea is tying in East Toledo history with a pretty strong nature element,” he said. “It's all going to be different imagery, but it's all going to tie into together with a cohesive theme.”
Mr. Davis agreed, adding that he believes their murals will inspire some people to do more research about East Toledo via social media.
“I think the east side needs the love and this is our opportunity to share it,” he said.
In other action, the board:
■ Hired the Buehrer Group of Maumee to design “up to four rustic, nautical-themed cabins” to be part of the urban campground planned between the National Museum of the Great Lakes and Craig Memorial Bridge.
An undetermined number of campsites are also planned. The cost for designing the cabins will be 10 percent of the total construction cost for the cabins, which is presently $1 million.
“At present, this percentage basis is estimated to incur a fee of $100,000 based on an estimated cabin cost of $1,000,000.00,” according to a written brief submitted to the board.
The cabins and the campground are part of the Glass City Metropark, but are being done beyond the scope of Phase 2. They will open later.
■ Hired Tetra Tech to begin designing a one-mile portion of the Glass City Riverwalk that will go through the historic Vistula neighborhood north of downtown. The contract is for $1.39 million.
“It is anticipated that future architecture and engineering services will culminate in a final Contract Amendment for remaining planning, and will be similarly brought before the Board for consideration in early 2024,” a written brief notes.
The riverwalk is being built over the next six years.
Mr. Savage said it is exciting to know that planning for the Vistula neighborhood is about to begin.
Mr. Byers said it sends an important message to residents on the west side of the river as the June 9-11 grand opening celebration approaches on the east side.
He said it’s a “testament to how far ahead” the park district staff is planning.
First Published April 26, 2023, 6:46 p.m.
