Cortland steps up its efforts to create park

Discussions to create the park fell apart three years ago.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- City officials are proposing a scaled-back plan to create a 120-acre park on the east side of Mosquito Lake.
Mayor Curt Moll said the city has asked the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to reconsider leasing the property for a locally run park to be constructed in three or four phases.
The early phases would likely include the construction of an access road off state Route 46, water and sewer lines for restrooms, and development of a boardwalk or some access for pedestrians to view the lake shore, said David Christner, chairman of the city's parks board.
City and county officials have discussed for years the possibility of transforming the state- and federally owned property to a park. Most recently, they had talked about building ball fields, nature trails and a community center on the property.
Funding issues
ODNR offered the land on a low-cost, 25-year lease, but the deal fell through because local officials could not explain how they would pay to keep up the proposed park, Moll said.
"They want to make sure you have the money to maintain it so, over time, it doesn't fall into disarray," Christner said.
The property lies east of the lakeshore to state Route 46, north of Lake Vista and across from Sunset Drive.
Most of the land is owned by ODNR, but a narrow strip along the lake shore belongs to the Army Corps of Engineers.
By proposing a phased development of a park, local officials hope to lower initial maintenance costs, Christner said.
Ball fields could still eventually be built on the property, depending on need and funding, he said.
Grants may be available, he said.
Christner said he hoped Trumbull County MetroParks could become a partner in the project.
Building a park on the land is part of Cortland's Strategic Plan, said Councilman Michael Hillman.
Because the park would be used by more than just Cortland residents, he said he believes funding for the project should not just come from the city.
siff@vindy.com