Not site plan, flag placed for visual aid.
VERMILION, Ohio – June 17, 2025 – Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
The Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board pushed forward on several major projects and approved a slate of summer community events during a busy meeting Tuesday evening. Key decisions included the approval of a new site plan for Showse Park, updates on the new pickleball courts, and the greenlighting of numerous community gatherings in the city’s parks.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the revitalization of Showse Park. The board formally approved a new site plan that lays out the location for new playground equipment, public art, and a 60-foot flagpole. In coordination with Lorain County Veteran Services, the flagpole’s location was moved to an area south of the main mound, which will be more economical for running utilities. After a resident raised concerns about the large flag’s durability in high winds, the board explained there will be a process to lower the flag during inclement weather and that the Lorain County Veterans Commission provides replacement flags.
The board also gave the green light to several community gatherings, ensuring the parks will be active throughout the summer. Approvals included:
- A four-date community concert series organized by Joe Price, scheduled for Saturday evenings at Victory and Friendship Parks on July 26, August 2, August 16, and August 30.
- The annual Rotary Club pancake breakfast, scheduled for July 12.
- A permit for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Vermilion West Pier on June 18 at Main Street Beach.
Residents can expect to see several facility upgrades soon. Parks Director Mark Weisenberger reported that the new pickleball courts at West Breeze are nearing completion, with the asphalt surface currently curing and a potential opening by mid-July. The project to build new precast restrooms at Sherod Park also moved forward, with the board accepting a bid of $77,460 from Norwalk Concrete Industries. At the Vermilion Community Pool, paperwork for the new splash pad is on the verge of final state approval, with the contractor ready to begin work immediately once the plans are stamped.
Additionally, the board heard a presentation from Marilyn Brill of the Brownhelm Historical Association, who requested permission to place a Little Free Library in Showse Park, a project the board received favorably. Director reports noted that pool memberships are the highest they have ever been and that youth baseball is wrapping up its regular season to begin tournaments after July 4th.
The board will hold its next meeting on July 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex.
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