Projects at 2 parks nearing completion

HOWLAND -- Construction projects at two of the township's three parks are scheduled for completion this week.
Crews are laying asphalt for a mile-long bike and walking trail that will eventually circle the township park off Clifton Drive.
The 6-foot-wide sidewalk will run just inside the road, which is now shared by pedestrians and cars.
"We wanted this for safety," said Jim Adgate, a member of the park board. "Usage of the park has gone through the roof."
The nearly complete first phase of the project, which covers two-thirds of a mile from Clifton Drive to the Venice Heights neighborhood, will cost $65,000, he said.
It is being paid for with a $45,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and $20,000 worth of labor and services from the township trustees.
The park board has not yet lined up funding to complete the sidewalk next year, Adgate said.
This week, workers will also finish resurfacing tennis courts at Bolindale Park off Ridge Road.
The new, $50,000 surface can be used for roller hockey, basketball and volleyball, as well as tennis, Adgate said.
The project was funded through the township parks levy.