SIDNEY — “In last year’s report, we shared the exciting news of the Binkley Pavilion donation in Tawawa Park at Aschenbach Grove, which was dedicated this past summer in July,” said Duane Gaier, city of Sidney Parks and Recreation director. “Another benefactor reached out to parks department staff wanting to make an improvement to Tawawa Park. A list of items was developed for their evaluation and the project that percolated to the top of the list was replacing the entrance sign to Tawawa Park. Wishing to remain anonymous, the donor provided the funds for the new masonry base and cedar framework that highlights the new sign that greets the Tawawa Park patrons as they enter the park through the main gate. Sidney is very blessed to have these types’ of individuals, organizations and businesses that give back to your city parks.z”

His report continues:

Annually, parks staff completes an inspection of all of the parks, including the 25 play structures; one unit is identified to be replaced because of its condition and appearance. In 2022, the play structure that is located in Young’s Cove, which is across the roadway from the Wagner Glade Shelter in Tawawa Park, was removed and two new pieces were installed by parks staff to replace the 24-year-old structure.

It has been many years since the parks department has had a current master plan. The last plan, that was designed to guide the parks development, was put together in 2003; an update to that existing plan was completed in 2009. With that in mind, the city has commissioned a comprehensive master plan for your park system. With this new strategy, Sidney’s parks can better plan for its future by developing a system-wide comprehensive park, trail, and recreation master plan. Public engagement, intentional planning, and aligning needs with recreation trends can be addressed when planning future park systems. Acknowledging these challenges is critical for creating a successful park system plan that meets the needs of its users.

Part of the process was and online community survey that was completed, and a virtual community meeting was held to gather data to determine what was important to the community. That data is currently being summarized for the final plan. The next step is the planning of small group meetings. Small focus groups that represent the following: seniors, youth, community groups/arts and culture, active sports and businesses, are being scheduled as of this writing. We look forward to presenting this guiding document to the Sidney recreation board, city council and the public.

Tawawa Park’s shelter reservations were pretty consistent from 2021 to 2022 with 509 shelter used by family and friends during the season. In 2022, there were 480 baseball and softball games were played at Custenborder, Harmon and Flanagan. The recreation department held 34 summertime clinics with just shy of 1,100 kids enjoying the fun in the parks in 2022.

There were 7201 free lunches served to anyone 18 years of age or under, at 12 different locations in Sidney. A grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture allowed for food, prepared by Wilson Health, to be picked up by recreation staff and delivered to these sites. On Fridays, to go along with the daily, lunchtime meals, the kids were given non-perishable food items, contained in a zip lock bag. This was to provide them food options through the weekend. The 1,728 backpack meals for the kids were entirely funded through private donations from individuals, organizations and businesses in the community.

Capital projects for 2023: replacement of the play structure at McMillan Park, pickleball courts at Custenborder Fields, a new roof on the water park buildings, completion of the Canal Feeder Trail to Kuther Road.