For the Miami Valley Today
COVINGTON – The village of Covington on Friday announced it was one of six projects chosen in the state of Ohio for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a grant of $500,000, for the construction of Schoolhouse Park – Phase 1.
With the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, a $450,000 donation from the Upper Valley Medical Center (UVMC) Parent Board that was announced in January, and donations and pledges from many residents and businesses from in and around Covington, the village has raised over $1,250,000 from grants and private donations towards the park to date and looks to continue applying for grants and fundraising in 2022 to complete the remaining elements and phases of the park.
“We have been working to fund raise and design Schoolhouse Park for over three years, and we are finally ready to build it,” said Mayor Ed McCord. “We are grateful that the state of Ohio Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant committee felt our project was worthy of being one of six projects funded within the entire state of Ohio. We look forward to seeing this dream become a reality.”
Schoolhouse Park, located in the heart of Covington, is the first new park within the village of Covington in over 100 years. The park will be completed in multiple phases, with phase 1 starting construction this year and being completed and open to the public in 2023. Phase 1 will include a pavilion and restrooms, a splashpad, an amphitheater, food truck parking, and a large gathering space for events.
“This project continues to help weave the unique fabric of Covington,” said Village Administrator Kyle Hinkelman. “The residents, businesses, and non-profits deserve this space to enjoy a summer day at the splashpad, a fall night at the amphitheater, or to just gather on a Wednesday to talk.”
Phase 1 donations will be closed on June 1, 2022. Phase 1 donors will be recognized on a plaque that will be within the pavilion. To make a donation to Schoolhouse Park – Phase 1 or to get more information on the village of Covington’s Schoolhouse Park project, please go to the Village of Covington’s website – www.covington-oh.gov or contact the village administrator directly.
