ASHLAND — New energy will be returning to the former site of Lincoln Elementary School.
Located at the corner of Troy Road and West 11th Street, the 1.4-acre lot is the planned site for the city’s Lincoln Park playground project. The city purchased the property from Ashland City Schools about two years ago for $1,000.
The city decided to use its bi-annual Community Development Block Grant allocation — $150,000 — to cover costs of the project.
On Tuesday, city lawmakers approved the purchase of $109,340.55 worth of new playground equipment through Landscape Structures. Council also approved a $59,578.15 contract with Penchura for the installation of the equipment, as well as safety surfacing.
“It will be the most modern playground equipment we have in the city,” Mayor Matt Miller said Tuesday.
In recent months, the city has also teamed with the Rotary Club of Ashland to expand the future offerings at Lincoln Park, the mayor said, describing the partnership as a community project for the club.
Through some of the club’s fundraising efforts, Lincoln Park will also include a dog park, as well as a pavilion, benches and picnic tables.
“(There) may even be some additional features as we get closer when we see what the budget numbers come in at and so on. But we’re glad to have the Rotary Club’s support and their help,” Miller said. “When this is done, this should be one of the most vibrant parks in the city.”
The mayor previously said that — pending any unforeseen delays — the park should be ready to welcome guests by the end of this year.
In other action Tuesday, City Council:
— approved a Community Reinvestment Area Tax Incentive application from Crown Jewlz requesting it grant the company a tax incentive at 75 percent for 10 years.
— approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to advertise for bids and to enter into a contract for the U.S. 250 pedestrian improvements project.
— declined to request a hearing for a liquor permit transfer of ownership from American United Oil Inc., 342 E. Main St., to Ashland Marathon LLC, 342 E. Main St.
Below is the full livestream of Tuesday’s council meeting, courtesy of the city’s YouTube page.
