A 60-ft Flagpole With Flag, A Beach Box, and Pickleball Courts: What’s Coming Next for Vermilion Parks?

The Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board met on January 21, 2025, to discuss several community initiatives, ongoing projects, and plans for the future of the city’s parks and recreation areas. The meeting, led by newly elected Chairperson Tina Swinehart, saw participation from various board members, community representatives, and city officials. Here’s a recap of the important decisions and updates shared during the meeting.

New Board Appointments
The first order of business was the nomination of officers for the Parks and Recreation Board for 2025. Tina Swinehart was unanimously nominated and approved as Chairperson, while Liz Elden was elected Vice Chairperson. The leadership transition marks an exciting year ahead for the board as they continue working on park revitalization and community programming.

Girl Scouts Beach Box Project
One of the standout proposals presented was from Sara Broussard, Director of Girl Scouts Service Unit 509. The Girl Scouts are aiming to build a shared sand toy box at Main Street Beach, which will encourage families to enjoy the beach while teaching the young scouts about democracy and environmental advocacy. The project, which is planned to be called “Project Beach Guardian,” will also involve regular maintenance and litter cleanup by the girls.

After receiving a picture of the proposed materials and details on the box’s location, the board approved the project, advising the Girl Scouts to work with Parks Director Marc Weisenberger to determine the best location and materials. This project will not only improve the beach experience but also provide valuable learning opportunities for the Girl Scouts.

Showse Park Revitalization Project
A significant update came from Ward Four Councilman Jeff Lucas, who announced that the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission had donated $25,000 toward the installation of a 60-ft flagpole at Showse Park. The donation will cover the cost of the flagpole, a stamped concrete pad, and lighting, with plans for installation to occur in the spring. The new flagpole will serve as a beacon for the community, especially important for the many veterans who live in the surrounding area.

While discussing the flagpole, it was noted that lighting at the park will likely be reduced compared to other locations to minimize ambient light, as the area is known for star-gazing. Community members also discussed the challenges of maintaining the flag in severe weather, with a plan to collaborate with the Veterans Service Commission for future flag replacements.

West Breeze Park, Showse Park, and Street Millings Donation
In addition to the approval of the drainage and site work for the West Breeze Park pickleball courts, the Parks and Recreation Board also discussed a recent generous donation, facilitated by the Service Director, Tony Valerius. Street millings valued between $15,000 to $18,000 were donated for the fitness trail at Showse Park. There were mentions that these millings were originally slated for West Breeze Park.

This donation from local resources reflects the ongoing commitment to improving Vermilion’s recreational areas, but it also raises a key question: Could this donation for Showse Park impact funding for the West Breeze Park project? With the request for additional funds to complete the West Breeze Park pickleball courts, including drainage and other site work, it’s clear that the funding for recreational projects is closely tied. As discussions continue, it’s essential to balance these contributions and costs to ensure the successful completion of both parks.

Community Event Approvals
The board approved permits for two popular upcoming community events in Vermilion:

All Washed Up – Driftwood Art Fest (July 12, 2025)
Light Up Vermilion (December 5, 2025)

These events will provide fun, family-friendly opportunities and enhance the vibrancy of Vermilion, bringing the community together while supporting local businesses.

Main Street Beach and Showse Park Projects
As the Main Street Beach revitalization nears completion, there are still a few final touches to be made, including a small seating area to be completed in the spring. The board discussed recognizing the donors who contributed to the beach’s transformation, though concerns were raised about the risk of missing individuals if a long list of donors was published. The board members agreed that a more general recognition would be the best approach, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for May 2025 to celebrate the completed beach.

At Showse Park, Phase 1 of the revitalization project is progressing, with the fitness trail and trail surfacing nearing completion. The donation of street millings for this project from Precision Paving, valued at over $15,000, was acknowledged, and further work on fitness equipment installation will be completed in the spring.

West Breeze Park and Pickleball Courts
The board also approved expenditures for the West Breeze Park pickleball courts. Parks Director Marc Weisenberger presented a request for additional funds not to exceed $40,500 for drainage and site work. An additional $25,000 was requested to cover unforeseen drainage costs, ensuring the longevity of the courts and the infrastructure around them. Board members emphasized the importance of proper drainage to prevent future damage to the courts and parking area.

New Recreation Position Proposal
One of the key discussions of the evening was the proposal to create a new full-time position to oversee recreation, pool management, and city programming. Board member John Ross presented the idea, which would consolidate several responsibilities under one role, aiming to improve community engagement and coordination of city events. The proposal is still in the early stages, with further financial analysis and job description development required. If feasible, this position could be filled in 2025, offering a dedicated resource to oversee and expand Vermilion’s recreational activities.

Moving Forward

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on community collaboration and the importance of thoughtful planning for future park and recreation projects. With a series of exciting initiatives, including the revitalization of Main Street Beach, the Showse Park flagpole project, and ongoing work at West Breeze Park, Vermilion is on track to continue enhancing its recreational offerings for residents and visitors alike.