SAVANNAH — Various infrastructure projects in the village of Savannah have received a major boost in funding.
The governor’s office in November 2025 announced that Savannah is one of 26 communities across the state awarded nearly $13.8 million in Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants. The village was awarded $750,000.
Combined with a $150,000 grant recently awarded to Ashland County — which will improve parks in the village of Bailey Lakes — through the Ohio Department of Development, the county landed $900,000 in program year 2025 of the federal Community Development Block Grant Allocation Program.
The Ashland County Board of Commissioners approved entering into the $900,000 grant agreement during its meeting Thursday.
Commissioner Denny Bittle said it was his understanding the combined amount is likely the largest grant the county has received to date.
Savannah plans to use the CDBG funds, administered through the commissioners office, to install a basketball and pickleball court, restroom facilities, sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian beacons and a digital outdoor sign.
The money will also address the reconstruction of Haney Street and new sidewalks throughout the village.
CDBG is a federal grant program. The county commissioners office serves as the CDBG sponsor — meaning commissioners submitted the grant on behalf of both villages. Nikki Hiller serves as the county’s CDBG administrator.
Hiller said Thursday that Haney Street — in its current condition — causes issues for firetrucks trying to enter and exit from the Savannah Fire Department. CDBG monies will be used to widen and reconstruct the street, she said.
More grant documents from the state are expected before knowing a definitive timeline for projects in both villages, Hiller said, but she is hopeful work in Bailey Lakes could begin as early as spring.
Bailey Lakes to add park on each side of U.S. Route 250
Bailey Lakes will use its $150,000 to purchase and install new playground equipment at two parks in the village. The Ohio Department of Development estimates the project will benefit about 400 people.
“They don’t have any in their village right now. There will be a playground on each side of (U.S. Route) 250 so that kids do not have to cross the street,” Hiller said. “It will make it safer.”
Ariel Isaacs, the village’s council president, told Ashland Source in May 2025 that each park will serve the east and west side of Bailey Lakes, which is currently divided by a busy U.S. Route 250.
“The speed limit there is 45,” Isaacs said in May. “Obviously there’s people who speed. To prevent kids from going to the park on their own and crossing (U.S. Route 250), we are requesting two parks.”
Ringler Park — the larger of the two — will be located at the intersection of Highland Boulevard and Wesley Street. Isaacs previously said the park will feature a jungle gym, swings, rockers and spinners.
The smaller park, which officials plan to name “Lakeview Park,” will be located along Lake Drive and situated on property overseeing Savannah Lake. It will feature a jungle gym and swings, Isaacs said in May.
“Every strong community is built on a solid foundation,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a January press release. “Not only will this funding help improve everyday life for more families today, it will create the conditions needed to attract growth and opportunity in the future.”
