City of Piqua to kick of second phase of Lock 9 Park project with groundbreaking

PIQUA — The City of Piqua plans to break ground today on the next phase of a park project that’s been years in the making.

Today at 4 p.m., the city will hold a groundbreaking for the second phase of their Lock 9 Park project.

Piqua City Commission previously authorized awarding a $2.6 million contract to ATCS Inc. to construct the second phase of the improvement project.

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The groundbreaking comes after the project was delayed for several years following its initial phase of construction.

The second phase of improvements will include the construction of a trail connection to Main Street, terracing the levee overlooking the riverway, and creating a performance pavilion and community lawn, city officials shared online.

According to city officials, they identified this community’s desire for this project 16 years ago in a Comprehensive Plan Update. In 2012, the Ohio Department of Development secured a technical assistance grant for the project.

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“Through the course of the planning efforts, the City of Piqua leveraged over $600,000 in grant funding to complete the acquisition, due diligence, and design and environmental work for the project. The City secured approximately $2 million in private, state, and federal funding sources to supplement the local funding necessary to complete the planned improvements,” city officials said.

The third phase of the project is anticipated to be presented to the City Commission around September, according to Chris Schmiesing, City of Piqua Community and Economic Development Director.

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